The IFB Beat 8-4 Edition

A Message from the Editor

 

Welcome to this week’s Beat!

We’re excited to introduce six new team members in Workforce Services—please give them a warm welcome! Also, please note that the Asheville facility’s “Aloha Summer” picnic is just a few weeks away. The Winston-Salem facility’s summer event will be announced soon.

Learn about our Employee Spotlight, Maria Caranza, and check out Rainbow Tarts, a blind-owned business. And don’t forget: the Forsyth Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind barbecue fundraiser is August 16.

Lastly, learn about free caregiving support through Wellthy. Thanks for all you do to make IFB a great place to work!

Quote of the week:

“Creating a culture of integrity and accountability generates a respectful, enjoyable and life-giving setting in which to work.” — Tom Hanson

Thank you for strolling The IFB Beat. See you next week!

Anastasia Powell

IFB Solutions Communications Manager
apowell@ifbsolutions.org | 336-245-5698

 

Quick Links:

New this Week

– Welcome, New Hires!
– Asheville Facility “Aloha Summer” Picnic
– Employee Spotlight Featuring Maria Caranza, Winston-Salem Facility
– Programs Update: S.E.E. Summer Day Camp Visits Breakout Games
– Community Low Vision Center Updates

From Our Community

– Shop Rainbow Tarts
– You’re Invited: Forsyth Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind Barbecue Fundraiser

HR and Opportunities

Caregiving Support
Job Opportunities
IFB Beat Phone Lines
Support Group Zoom Meeting Links
Archived Editions of The IFB Beat

Welcome, New Hires!

Six talented individuals joined the IFB team on July 28. We are thrilled to have these new team members on board and are confident they will contribute greatly to our continued success. Please be sure to give them a warm welcome!

Customer Service Representatives under the supervision of Shannon Satterfield:

  • Felipe Aguirre
  • Dominique Whiting
  • Christian Bertling
  • Tobias Al-Trabulsi
  • Benard Battle
  • Thomas Case

 

Asheville Facility “Aloha Summer” Picnic

Thursday, August 21, from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.

Hello, summer fun! The Asheville facility is thrilled to host this year’s “Aloha Summer”-themed employee picnic. Enjoy a delicious lunch featuring barbecue, baked beans, and slaw, along with activities such as flip-flop toss, “guess the weight” of a pineapple, lei toss, a photo booth, and more! Be sure to wear a Hawaiian shirt or something bright and colorful!

Winston-Salem facility: Stay tuned—your summer event details are coming soon!

 

Employee Spotlight Featuring Maria Caranza, Winston-Salem Facility

Welcome to the Employee Spotlight! Each week, we celebrate the incredible individuals who make IFB thrive. This week, we’re excited to feature Maria Caranza from the fuel handler suit department at our Winston-Salem facility.

Headshot of Maria Caranza

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: I grew up in El Salvador and moved to North Carolina in 1996. I try to visit El Salvador as often as I can to see my family!

Q: How long have you been at IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I started working at IFB in 2010. I wanted to learn something new and meet different people. I’m truly grateful for my job.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I love going on walks—especially with my two dogs, daughter and husband. I also really enjoy skating!

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Meatloaf! I absolutely love it.

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I love that I get to help provide important items for the military.

Q: What’s a quote or word of advice you’d give to a friend?
A: Keep Jesus in your life and be willing to work hard for what you want. Life is better when we work together!

Special thanks to Morgan Dunn, Employee Relations Specialist, for supporting these highlights. Who knows? You might be next in the spotlight! Stay tuned, and thanks for reading.

 

Programs Update: S.E.E. Summer Day Camp Visits Breakout Games

S.E.E. summer day campers at Break Out Games in Greensboro

S.E.E. summer day campers had a blast at Breakout Games in Greensboro. The “Island Escape” room was no match for the students’ superior teamwork and communication skills. They escaped with more than six minutes remaining!

Winston-Salem Facility 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 Low Vision Center Updates

CLVC Item of the Week:

Toilet Level Indicator

Toilet Level Indicator for $34.95

Place the indicator on the side of the toilet bowl. If the water rises above the correct level, the indicator will buzz. Uses nine-volt batteries (included).

If you have questions or are interested in any of the weekly items, please contact your local CLVC for assistance.

 

From Our Community

Shop Rainbow Tarts

Submitted by Carl Williams IFB employee—Winston-Salem Facility

Want to support a blind-owned business? Looking for an easy and affordable way to bring your favorite smells to your home or give them as a gift?

Rainbow Tarts produces and sells wax melts, warmers, soaps, shampoos, conditioners, and more. For more information see Carl Williams (Tina Jolly’s department), call 336-970-0650, email info@rainbowtarts.com or visit rainbowtarts.com.

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

 

You’re Invited: Forsyth Chapter of the National Federation of the Blind Barbecue Fundraiser

Submitted by National Federation of the Blind (NFB) President Angela Hanes—Winston-Salem Facility

Get ready for a finger-lickin’ good time! The Forsyth Chapter of the NFB invites you to its delicious barbecue dinner—a community favorite you won’t want to miss. Come and enjoy music, games, and have lots of fun!

Menu: Chopped barbecue, barbecue chicken, coleslaw, baked beans, potato salad, and more!

  • Saturday, August 16 at 2 p.m.
  • South Fork Community Center, 4403 Country Club Road, Winston-Salem, NC
  • $12 per plate

If you desire to pre-purchase tickets contact NFB members Teresa Norway (fuel handler suit department), Winter Robinson (markers department), or Riki Gray (scissors department). Every bite supports a brighter future. Proceeds benefit educational programs, conference experiences, and membership open house events that empower individuals who are blind.

Come hungry and leave inspired—support a great cause and enjoy a great meal!

 

HR & Opportunities

Caregiving Support

Guardian has partnered with Wellthy to offer free, personalized caregiving support as part of your disability benefits.

Whether you’re caring for aging parents, children, or managing your own health, Wellthy helps with tasks like care coordination, planning, and connecting with trusted resources.

Support includes:

  • Help with senior care, childcare, and complex medical needs
  • Personalized care plans and expert guidance
  • Access to the Wellthy community for peer support

Take care of others—without forgetting your own well-being! Visit join.wellthy.com/guardian-members to learn more, or click here to view an informational flyer. First-time users will need to register.

 

Job Opportunities

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

 

Zoom Meeting Links

Support Group Zoom

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

Meeting ID: 861 6711 1929

Passcode: 992614

One tap mobile

+13126266799,86167111929# US (Chicago)

+16465588656,86167111929# US (New York)

888 475 4499 US Toll-free

877 853 5257 US Toll-free