The IFB Beat 9-29 Edition

A Message from the Editor

Welcome to this week’s edition of The IFB Beat!

We’re kicking things off with a warm welcome to our newest team member, Ernest McCullough, who joined IFB as a customer service representative under the supervision of Shannon Satterfield.

The Employee Spotlight features Mike McBee from the Markers Department in Winston-Salem. Having been with IFB for 20 years, Mike’s story reminds us of the power of perseverance, purpose, and positivity.

This week’s community section is full of opportunities to connect, celebrate, and grow together—whether it’s the upcoming White Cane Walk in Asheville, the Hidden Gems Talent Showcase in Raleigh, or the Accessibility 2025 Retreat at Lake Norman. These events highlight the spirit of inclusion and empowerment that strengthens our community.

As flu season approaches, don’t forget to check out the details on how to get your flu shot at IFB. Protecting ourselves also means protecting our coworkers, families, and friends.

Also, starting Oct. 1, 2025, our Community Low Vision Centers will transition into Low Vision Services under the new Social Services and Employee Wellness Resource Team. The goal is simple: to ensure employees with low vision continue receiving the tools and support they need to succeed. This issue provides details on how appointments and product purchases will work.

Thanks for reading, and as always, thank you for being part of the IFB family.

Quote of the week:

“Quality means doing it right when no one is looking.” — Henry Ford

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

– Low Vision Services: How Support Will Work Starting Oct. 1, 2025
– Welcome to Our New Hire
– Employee Spotlight: Featuring Mike McBee – Winston-Salem Facility
– Winston-Salem Facility Support Groups
– CLVC Item of the Week

From Our Community

– White Cane Walk
– Hidden Gems Talent Showcase
– Accessibility 2025 Retreat

HR and Opportunities

– Stay Protected This Flu Season – Get Your Flu Shot
– Reminder: Review Your Beneficiary Designations
– Job Opportunities

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

 

Low Vision Services: How Support Will Work Starting Oct. 1, 2025

In a recent message, Dan Kelly shared how IFB is refocusing resources on our core mission: activity that most directly supports blind employment. As part of that plan, our Community Low Vision Centers will transition into Low Vision Services under the new Social Services and Employee Wellness Resource Team. The goal is simple: make sure employees with low vision continue to get the help they need to succeed.

What’s changing (effective Oct. 1, 2025):

  • Services will now be by appointment only.
  • Appointment days/times may be limited each week since our Low Vision Services staff now have broader duties, but we’ll work with you to meet your needs.

What you can buy:

  • We will continue to sell items that directly support accessibility and job success (like magnifiers, task lighting, and screen-access tools).
  • Lifestyle aids (large-print household items, adapted kitchenware, etc.) will not be restocked once current inventory is sold, but staff can guide you to trusted online vendors and assist with purchases if needed.
  • Items such as phone chargers and headphones can be purchased only during a pre-planned appointment and won’t be restocked once sold out.

What stays the same:

  • Appointments will continue to be led by trained staff, including employees with low vision, who understand your needs and can connect you with the right tools and resources.
    • In Asheville: Grant Weathers
    • In Winston-Salem: Charity Hampton
  • Low vision exam clinics continue:
    • Winston-Salem with Dr. Dexter Street
    • Asheville with Dr. Jamin Quilla
  • Focus on literacy continues. This program provides free low-vision exams and assistive technology for K–12 students across North Carolina and is supported by grants and donations.

Staff update:

  • Toni Fraser’s role ends Sept. 30, 2025. We are grateful for Toni’s impact in Winston-Salem and previously in Little Rock, and we wish her the very best ahead.

Questions or help:

  • Hourly employees: speak with your supervisor, who will submit the request on your behalf.
  • Admin employees: email LowVision@ifbsolutions.org or call (336) 245-5672.
  • More details about any physical space updates will be shared soon.

 

Welcome to Our New Hire

Ernest McCullough headshot

We’re excited to announce that Ernest McCullough started with us on September 22 as a customer service representative under the supervision of Shannon Satterfield. Please join us in welcoming him to the team.

 

Employee Spotlight: Featuring Mike McBee – 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 Mike McBee from the Markers Department.

Mark McBee headshot

Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Reidsville, N.C.

Q: How long have you been with IFB, and what brought you to the organization?
A: I’ve been with IFB for 20 years. After learning more about the type of eye disease I have, I started looking for job opportunities that would fit my situation. That search led me here.

Q: What hobbies or activities do you enjoy outside of work?
A: I have bowled for 11 years, and I am member of a bowling league. I also really enjoy watching sports.

Q: What’s your all-time favorite food or meal?
A: Definitely Southern comfort food—fried chicken, mac and cheese, turnip greens, and cornbread. That’s all I need!

Q: What do you enjoy most about working at IFB?
A: I enjoy being independent and also working alongside other blind employees. I like being able to help others, feel productive, and provide for my family. Before IFB, I felt down about not being able to find a job due to my eye disease. Here, I’ve regained that sense of purpose and belonging.

Q: What’s a quote or piece of advice you’d give to a friend?
A: Always stay positive and don’t give up!

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

 

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

 

CLVC Item of the Week

CLVC item of the week. Bold line paper.

Bold line paper with various line spacing. Prices vary.

Is it difficult to see the lines when you write? Here is your answer! Now you can write boldly, with ease.

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

 

From Our Community

White Cane Walk

Submitted by Grant Weathers, Low Vision Services Manager 

The Buncombe County Association for the Blind will be sponsoring a White Cane Walk at Pack Square Park in Asheville on Saturday, Oct. 18 from 1–3 p.m. Come build community with others!

  • Presentation on White Cane Awareness Day
  • Meet certified Orientation & Mobility (O&M) instructors
  • Light refreshments provided

Address: 80 Court Plaza, Asheville, N.C.

Hidden Gems Talent Showcase

Submitted by Insightful Visionaries

Event Date: Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025
Time: 3–5 p.m. (Showtime)
Location: 3634 Capital Blvd., Raleigh, N.C.
(Hollytree Harrispark Shopping Center – rear entrance)

Virtual Audition Call

Ready to shine? The Hidden Gems Talent Showcase is calling singers and musicians to the stage!

  • Submit a 2–5 minute audition video with your name and contact information to admin@insightfulvisionaries.org by Sept. 30.
  • Selected performers will be notified by Oct. 5.
  • Important: There is no charge to audition. Ticket charges only apply to those attending the show as supporters.
  • 🎤 Grand Prize: $100 awarded to the competition winner!

Tickets

  • $10 per person
  • $5 per child under 12

For questions contact
📞 Phone: 919-890-0117
📧 Email: thegatheringspace3634@gmail.com

Accessibility 2025 Retreat

Submitted by Blind Power Company

Oct. 31–Nov. 2

Step away from the busy world and join us for a refreshing getaway at the Accessibility 2025 Retreat! Organized by Blind Power Company and community partners, this retreat will be held at the serene Dogwood on the Lake resort, nestled on the beautiful shores of Lake Norman. Escape to a weekend of all-inclusive bliss, where every detail is crafted to create unforgettable memories:

  • Halloween party on Friday night! Costumes are optional.
  • Reconnect and relax with rejuvenating chair yoga classes, and explore your creative side with engaging arts and crafts sessions.
  • All meals included.
  • Live audio-described play by the Royal Curtain Drama Guild.
  • Relax in cozy accommodations with private bathrooms and refrigerators in each room.

Cost per person double occupancy is $199. Single rooms are $259.
Transportation from Winston-Salem to Dogwood and back included in the price of lodging.

Space is limited. Click here to learn more and register by Oct. 5. For booking updates and inquiries, contact us at info@blindpowercompany.org or Brenda Neal at 336-408-7646.

Dogwood on the Lake is located at 7050 Camp Dogwood Dr., Sherrills Ford, N.C. It’s approximately 40 miles northwest of Charlotte. Dogwood on the Lake is the home of the North Carolina Lions Foundation that serves the blind.

 

HR & Opportunities

Stay Protected This Flu Season – Get Your Flu Shot

Flu season is here, and IFB is making it easy to protect yourself and those around you.

  • Clemmons: Flu shots will be available on Tuesday, Oct. 7 (afternoon only). Please let Earline or Jordan know if you’d like to receive the vaccine.
  • Winston-Salem: Flu shots will be available on Wednesday, Oct. 8, and Thursday, Oct. 9. Hourly employees should notify their supervisors. Nurse Vanessa will be visiting administrative areas throughout the day. You may also let her know if you’d like to participate.

For individuals under 65, our health clinic will provide the standard dose (Inactivated Influenza Vaccine). If you’re 65 or older, please consult your primary care physician or pharmacy for a higher-dose vaccine tailored to your needs.

Why get vaccinated?

  • Strengthen your immune system against the flu.
  • Help protect your coworkers, friends, and family.
  • Reduce sick days and stay healthy.

Flu shots will also be available by appointment after Oct. 9, while supplies last. You can review the vaccine information statement below:

Let us team up for a healthier workplace—because staying well is something we can all do together!

 

Reminder: Review Your Beneficiary Designations

It’s a good practice to periodically review and update your beneficiary designations. If these are not kept current, your benefits—such as life insurance, retirement accounts, and your 403(b)—could go to someone you no longer intend.

  1. Beneficiary information did not transfer from Newport to Ascensus. Please log in here and assign your beneficiary. Instructions will be available upon logging in.
  2. Paycom: Be sure to review and add beneficiaries for your Basic Life Insurance and Supplemental Life Insurance. Taking a few minutes now will ensure your benefits are directed according to your wishes.

Job Opportunities

Production Assistant/Trainer – Puerto Rico IFB

Education and Work Experience:

  • 1–3 years previous sewing experience is preferred
  • Previous training experience is preferred
  • Previous experience in a manufacturing environment is preferred

External candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=173487&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909

Internal candidates may apply at https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=173488&clientkey=8B43E6E34C5D5C9AA3D07BB04DBEB909&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

 

Zoom Meeting Links

Support Group Zoom

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

Meeting ID: 861 6711 1929

Passcode: 992614

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