The IFB Beat 8-31 Edition

 

From the Editor

Welcome to the Beat! This edition features a great lineup of news, history, celebrations and helpful information from across IFB.

This Week at a Glance

– Reflections on 90: Meet Sharon Hairston
– Labor Day Schedule
– New Hires: Joseph Rein, Winston-Salem and Jean Richemont, BSC–MacDill
– Ask the Editor: Commodore Funderburk and his lasting legacy at IFB
– Celebrating Our Winston-Salem Employees of the Month: May, June and July Winston-Salem honorees
– Winston-Salem Annual Plant Inventory Schedule: Mark your calendar for September 16–18.
– Health & Wellness: Improve your sleep and create healthier bedtime habits.
– Employee Spotlight: Meet Ineabelle Rodriguez
– HR & Opportunities: Blind and low-vision veterans: learn about an opportunity to receive free Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses through the Blinded Veterans Association.

As always, thanks for reading and for being part of the IFB team. Let’s keep celebrating our people, our history and the impact we make together!

 

Have an HR, history or event-related question you’d like to ask me and have addressed in the 9-8 Beat? Send it to apowell@ifbsolutions.org and check back next week.

Thank you for strolling the Beat. See you next week!

Quote of the week: “Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.” — Thomas Edison

Anastasia Powell, Communications Manager
336-245-5698

 

 

Additional Quick Links

– Tap In
– Winston-Salem Support Groups
– Shop Rainbow Tarts!
– Jobs

IFB Beat Phone Lines
Support Group Zoom Links
Beat Archives

 

Reflections on 90

To celebrate 90 years of IFB, we are sharing history, fun facts and new, untold stories about team members.

Meet Sharon Hairston, one of the incredible individuals who has contributed to IFB’s successes.

Sharon is proud to have been with IFB for over 20 years. When asked what she enjoys most about working in the t-shirt department at the Winston-Salem facility, she answered, “The people. Working alongside individuals who are visually impaired inspires me every day.”

Outside of her time at IFB, Sharon enjoys crafting, cooking, working in the garden and spending time with her grandkids.

 

 

 

 

 

Labor Day Schedule

In observance of Labor Day, IFB Solutions will be closed on Monday, September 7. We will return to a regularly scheduled workday on Tuesday, September 8. We hope everyone enjoys the long weekend and has a safe and relaxing holiday!

 

New Hires

We’re excited to welcome two new team members. Please join us in giving them a warm IFB welcome as they begin their journey with us.

• Joseph Rein, Winston-Salem
• Jean Richemont, BSC–MacDill

We’re glad to have them on the team and look forward to all they will bring to our organization. Please join us in making them feel at home!

 

Ask the Editor

Last week, we received a history-related question about Commodore Funderburk, an IFB employee remembered for his incredible dedication and commitment.

Long before IFB Solutions became the organization it is today, employees like Commodore helped shape its legacy of creating meaningful employment opportunities for people who are blind.

Commodore joined IFB, then known as Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind, in 1963 as a mattress maker. He was blind, deaf and unable to speak, but those barriers never stopped him from building a remarkable career.

Commodore worked for 41 years without missing a day of work—an extraordinary record of dedication, commitment and reliability. His work ethic became such an important part of IFB’s history that his name continues to live on throughout the organization. IFB’s Commodore Funderburk Visionary Award is named in his honor and recognizes individuals or organizations that help create opportunities for people who are blind.

Commodore’s story also reminds us that a person’s abilities should never be defined by what they cannot see, hear or say. His 41 years of perfect attendance demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to his work and to the organization’s mission.

Today, a statue of Commodore stands outside the Winston-Salem facility, serving as a lasting reminder of his contribution. Commodore’s legacy has even been recognized beyond IFB. The Commodore mattress was named in his honor, celebrating a man whose dedication to his work became an enduring part of IFB history.

Commodore Funderburk’s story is more than a piece of IFB history—it is a powerful example of commitment, perseverance and what is possible when people are given the opportunity to work and succeed. Watch an inspiring news story featuring Commodore on FOX 8, and explore this news story from The Chronicle.

 

 

 

Celebrating Our Winston-Salem Employees of the Month

Join us in celebrating our Winston-Salem employees of the month. Each of these team members has been recognized for their hard work, dedication and the positive impact they make at IFB.

• May Winner: Christopher Palamarie, Rags and Wipes department
  • May Runner-up: Esthela Carrillo, T-shirt department
• June Winner: Elena Cruz, ACS department
  • June Runner-up: Alan Guerard, Staples department
• July Winner: Chyna Winston, Markers department
  • July Runner-up: Thomas Graham, ACS department

We’re proud to recognize each of you for your outstanding contributions and commitment to our team. Thank you for all that you do to help make IFB Solutions a great place to work.

 

Winston-Salem Annual Plant Inventory Schedule

It’s that time of year again—our annual inventory is just around the corner! Please mark your calendars with the dates below and plan accordingly.

Inventory Schedule

• Winston-Salem Plant: September 16, 17 and 18

Additional information and instructions will be shared by your supervisor as each inventory date approaches.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support in helping make this year’s inventories a success!

 

Health & Wellness

Atrium Health Clinic Tip of the Month: Getting Better Sleep

Quality sleep is essential for your body and brain, helping support memory, immunity, mood, focus, energy and long-term health. Most adults need 7–9 hours of sleep each night.

Small, consistent habits can make a big difference. The on-site clinic recommends maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a relaxing bedtime routine, keeping your bedroom cool and comfortable, limiting screen time before bed, watching caffeine and alcohol intake, staying active during the day and listening to your body when you have trouble falling asleep. Keeping a sleep journal can also help identify patterns and habits that may be affecting your rest.

Want more tips for getting better sleep? Click below to read the full guide, including practical recommendations for improving your sleep routine and creating healthier sleep habits.

Read “Getting Better Sleep” for more information.

 

Employee Spotlight: Meet Ineabelle Rodriguez

This week, we’re shining the spotlight on Ineabelle Rodriguez, a PA/Trainer who has been part of the Puerto Rico team for 11 years. From returning to IFB when the Mayagüez location reopened in 2020 to supporting her coworkers and the blind community, Ineabelle says it’s IFB’s mission and culture that keep her inspired.

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Hormigueros, Puerto Rico

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB for 11 years in total. I worked here when the Mayagüez location first started. When it came back in 2020, I returned. IFB’s mission and culture are what brought me back and continue to inspire me.

Q: Do you have any fun facts or hidden talents you’d like to share?
A: I always like to look clean, well taken care of, and presentable!

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I enjoy spending time with my family and loved ones.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Rice, beans and beefsteak.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I enjoy helping my coworkers and supporting the blind community.

Q: What’s a quote or word of advice you’d give to a friend?
A: Always give your best and never lose focus.

We’re glad to have Ineabelle as part of the IFB team! Her dedication to helping others and staying focused on IFB’s mission makes her a valued member of our organization.

Special thanks to Human Resources Representative/Recruiter, Gladymar Aponte Quintana, for supporting these highlights. Who knows? You might be next in the spotlight! Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

 

Tap In

Did you know that IFB is active on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn? Check out last week’s post, and give us a follow!

Wednesday, August 26: On International Women’s Equality Day, we celebrate the talented women who make up our IFB team. Throwback to April of this year, when IFB welcomed members of Women in Textiles, organized by the ATA – Advanced Textiles Association, for a tour of the Asheville facility. The tour spotlighted how manufacturing operations incorporate inclusive employment practices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Winston-Salem Support Groups

If you’re interested in attending a support group, please review the update here: https://ifbsolutions.org/the-ifb-beat-12-16-edition/#two-d

 

 

Community Corner

Shop Rainbow Tarts!

Submitted by Carl Williams

Interested in supporting a blind-owned business? Looking for an easy and affordable way to bring your favorite smells to your home or give as a gift? Look no further.

We have wax melts, warmers, soaps, shampoos, conditioners and more. See Carl Williams (Tina Jolly’s department), call 336-970-0650, email info@rainbowtarts.com or visit https://www.rainbowtarts.com. Check back often for sales!

We braille products upon request at no charge and ship within the US via priority flat rate mail. Rainbow Tarts — where everything makes scents!

 

 

HR & Opportunities

Calling All Veterans

Are you a blind or low-vision veteran? You may be eligible to receive a FREE pair of Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses! The Blinded Veterans Association (BVA) has partnered with Meta to help provide free Ray-Ban Meta AI Glasses to eligible blind and low-vision veterans.

These innovative glasses can assist with everyday activities such as identifying objects, reading information, receiving visual assistance and navigating daily life with greater independence. BVA is also providing training and resources to help veterans get the most out of this technology.

Interested in Receiving a Pair? For more information reach out to:

• Amber Frederick: afrederick@ifbsolutions.org or (336) 245-5619
• Morgan Dugan: mdugan@ifbsolutions.org or 336-245-5612
• Tammy Whitmire-Powers: twhitmire-powers@ifbsolutions.org or 336-245-5644

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity!

 

Jobs

Quilter, Asheville

Education and Work Experience

• On the job training will be provided.

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/243420

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/portal/8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909/jobs/243421?jpt=ce8685cef740a6280b5fcb492b556fa5

For all current openings, visit https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs?clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909. For more information, please contact a member of the recruitment team at careers@ifbsolutions.org.

 

IFB Beat Phone Lines

English line: 336-245-5691

Spanish line: 336-245-5663

 

Support Group Zoom Links

https://ifbsolutions.zoom.us/j/86167111929?pwd=G9vSBWcnTFrMHixqb19TpU7q8sQW1N.1

Meeting ID: 861 6711 1929
Passcode: 992614

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