IFB Solutions

On June 20, players, employees and supporters came out to enjoy our annual golf tournament fundraiser. The event raised over $185,000 to support the expansion of services we offer to adults and children who are blind. ⛳ Thank you, Omni Grove Park Inn, for hosting!

"It's hard for somebody that's blind to find a job, but a lot of places aren't set up to give you the leeway that IFB does. Instead of changing the person, here, they change the approach." — Joshua Denton, IFB Solutions' 2024 Employee of the Year Watch the video below to learn more about Joshua's story — including how he started over and found a fulfilling new career after losing his vision to retinitis pigmentosa.

Today, join us in commending Linda Bozarth, our 2024 Delmar Wall Outstanding Service Award recipient! For nearly 20 years, Linda has gone above and beyond in her role an associate at IFB’s McGuire Airforce Base Supply Center location — offering her support to customers and employees, alike. She is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever she can: During the pandemic, when the base halted its bus services, Linda even volunteered her time and personal vehicle to transport BSC employees who are visually impaired to and from work every day. In the photo below, Linda is pictured between David Newsome, left, IFB’s director of Base Supply Centers, and John Notte, right, manager at the Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Base Supply Center store, where Linda works.

Today, join us in celebrating another IFB employee who goes above and beyond each day: Congratulations to Ken Mullins, IFB’s 2024 Career Achiever of the Year! When Ken joined IFB in 2018, it was clear that he possessed the qualities of a great leader and mentor, and he quickly advanced through many different roles within the company. Currently, he serves as our director of merchandising, and each day, he inspires countless others to believe they can achieve. We are incredibly fortunate to have such a sincere and hardworking individual like Ken on our team.

Continuing our celebration of our wonderful 2024 Employee Award winners: Meet Lisandra Chaparro, this year’s Puerto Rico Employee of the Year! Lisandra, who has been a sewing machine operator on the fuel handler suit line for three years, always goes the extra mile in everything she does. She’s even happy to help with other operations, when needed. Thank you, Lisandra, for your always-cheerful attitude and quality work!

It’s time to celebrate another outstanding IFB employee: This week’s pick is Easter McCall, our 2024 Winston-Salem Employee of the Year! You can find her in our packaging and assembly department, where — in addition to many other responsibilities — she diligently packs products with care and assembles scissors and other items. Blind since birth, Easter has never allowed her vision to serve as a barrier to her capabilities, and the mechanics in her department often rely on Easter’s quality work and experience.

For the next few weeks, join us in applauding our 2024 Employee Award winners — the exceptional individuals who make each day special at IFB. First up, meet Joshua Denton, this year’s overall Employee of the Year. In less than two years, Joshua has become a master sewer at IFB’s Asheville facility, processing multiple products from ponchos to fuel handler suits to military gear. We’re thrilled to have Joshua on our team!

IFB employees’ canine companions are getting a little extra love this week in honor of International Guide Dog Day, celebrated the last Wednesday of April each year. Today, join us in honoring and appreciating our family of fiercely devoted four-legged friends, who fearlessly support the endeavors of so many members of our team and enable them to live more independent lives. But remember: The best way to celebrate guide dogs is often from afar, as these dogs are “on the clock” with critically important jobs, where any distraction can jeopardize the safety of both the animal and its human friend. Before interacting with a working dog, even if he or she appears to be “off duty,” always ask permission from the handler. While they may be happy to let you show their faithful companion a bit of love, it’s crucial to follow their lead, respect their wishes and ask before you act.

IFB Solutions’ ongoing mission is to create more jobs for people who are blind or visually impaired — but converting sighted jobs to work for blind employees is no easy task, especially on complicated manufacturing lines like the U.S. Army Fuel Handlers Suit. Fortunately, trainers like JoAnn Dean (left) have spent the last 20 years at IFB creating solutions to meet each individual’s unique needs. Read more about how JoAnn helps IFB employees succeed in their careers in the Spring 2024 Impact Newsletter: https://lnkd.in/gu7XBWK7

Did you know that, according to the CDC, an estimated 93 million adults in the U.S. are at high risk for vision loss? Chances are, you may know someone who is currently experiencing (or may one day experience) some form of visual impairment. So, this Valentine's Day, show some love to the low vision community during Low Vision Awareness Month — and learn more about the resources available to those with visual impairments. Our Community Low Vision Centers in Winston-Salem and Asheville offer assistance for those experiencing vision loss and can help you navigate anything from age-related macular degeneration to glaucoma to diabetic retinopathy. If you or someone you know might benefit from personalized low vision assistance, including access to an unparalleled range of adaptive devices, get in touch or stop by for a visit today. https://lnkd.in/e3ZuKWE9