Stories of Success

ANASTASIA POWELL

ANASTASIA POWELL

Direct Labor Employee of the Year

With vision difficulties at age 13 that led to complete vision loss by the time she was 21, Anastasia Powell learned early how to be courageous in the face of adversity. She graduated high school with honors and then got her first job with Greensboro IFB. With new skills and confidence, she began a family and moved to Winston-Salem. Anastasia now works at WSIFB with great appreciation for the collaborative environment. She participates in activities through A Brighter Path, gaining more independence every day. Anastasia knows from experience what she often tells her children: “You can accomplish anything.”

KENNETH FOUNTAIN

KENNETH FOUNTAIN

Career Achiever; National Winner Milton J Samuelson
2010 Career Achievement Award

With confidence and abilities gained from his work at Virginia Industries for the Blind, Kenneth Fountain—who has been legally blind since birth—gradually evolved his retail experience into strong managerial talents, which won him the position of store manager at the Department of Treasury. Under Kenny’s leadership, this store experienced annual growth higher than any other WSIFB location. Kenny’s positive attitude inspires all who know him, and despite recent hardships—including being hit by a car on his way to work—he feels blessed to have the great friendships, responsibilities, and challenges of his job at IFB.

KELVIN GOODE

KELVIN GOODE

Asheville Employee of the Year

Born and raised in Asheville, Kelvin Goode came to work at WSIFB after losing his vision in a nearly fatal attack of listeria meningitis. Now, as an employee in our IMP Department and member of the safety committee, Kelvin is a role model of hard work and dependability. Kelvin is an active participant in his church, and he loves spending time with his two children. Recently, he and his wife purchased their first home, which Kelvin says would not have been possible if it weren’t for his job at IFB. Kelvin’s journey has been full of challenges, but he has met and overcome each one with his determined passion for life.

JUAN PEREZ

JUAN PEREZ

Mayaguez Employee of the Year

Ask his fellow employees why they like and respect Juan Perez so much, and they will talk about his great attitude, dependability, and impressive work ethic. Born legally blind in Puerto Rico, Juan came to work for Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind in 2007, evolving his retail experience into strong managerial skills. Dedicated to helping his family, Juan looks forward to one day getting married and having children of his own. Juan is very excited to be a part of IFB, and he is grateful for the opportunity to have a job that respects his abilities and rewards his hard work.