↑ parent activity group ·
research dossier →

Southern Arizona Association for the Visually Impa
Tucson, AZ · EIN 866056057 · Form 990 · FY2021 · NTEE G41Z · Voluntary Health Associations · Medium ($1M-$10M) · www.saavi.us
revenue
$6.2M
expenses
$5.1M
net assets
$4.9M
employees
87
volunteers
40
program ratio
88%
mission · from form 990

SAAVI provides programs and services to meet the needs of individuals with vision loss, promoting individuals to become independent and active participants in the community.

profile · synthesized from sources

Saavi Services for the Blind is an Arizona-based nonprofit that provides nonvisual skills training to blind and low-vision individuals of all ages. Through its Structured Discovery methodology, the organization helps students achieve independence, pursue education, and enter the workforce. Saavi operates centers in Tucson and Phoenix, offering programs for children, adults, and seniors.

named programs · 6 · from sources

what they call their work

Ability Builds Confidence (ABC)
Free weekly classes in Phoenix and Tucson for individuals new to vision loss, covering foundational topics such as braille, assistive technology, white cane use, disability benefits, and community connection
Comprehensive Day Program
Structured training program for adults to develop nonvisual skills for independence, employment, and personal goals, using Structured Discovery methodology and learning shades
Comprehensive Day Program (CDP)
An intensive program providing skills training for blind individuals to achieve personal and professional goals, including returning to the workforce or starting a business.
Elevate, Transform, Succeed
Program for blind and low-vision individuals seeking to gain or retain employment, focusing on workforce readiness and career development
Saavi Senior LIFE Retreat
Retreat program offering foundational nonvisual skills training in assistive technology, braille, cane travel, and independent living, with social activities and overnight options in Flagstaff and Mohave County
Silver Canes
Senior-focused adult training program for individuals aged 55+ experiencing vision loss, providing skills in independent living, health and wellness, access technology, braille, orientation & mobility, and social engagement
activities · 4 groups

what they do

  • Assistive Technology Training for the Visually Impaired 10 activities
    • Employee Immersion Training
      Provides basic immersion training to all employees to develop nonvisual skills and a positive philosophy of blindness.
    • Employee Immersion Training
      Provides basic immersion training to all employees to develop nonvisual skills and a positive philosophy of blindness.
    • Independent Living Skills Classes
      Offers free weekly classes in Phoenix and Tucson to teach skills for independent living after vision loss, including in-person and select virtual options, with tools and learning materials provided, and childcare and English interpretation available upon request.
    • Independent Living Skills Classes for Adults
      Offers free weekly in-person and select virtual classes in Phoenix and Tucson to teach skills for independent living after vision loss, including home and personal management, orientation and mobility, and Braille instruction.
    • Independent Living Skills Classes for Adults
      Offers free weekly in-person and select virtual classes in Phoenix and Tucson to teach skills for independent living after vision loss, including home and personal management, computer and mobile device training, and orientation and mobility.
    • Senior Vision Loss Programs
      Provides basic skills training, personalized health and wellness plans, technology training, home management instruction, orientation and mobility training, and Braille instruction to help seniors with vision loss maintain independence. Also hosts weekly social activities and a Senior LIFE Retreat.
    • Senior Vision Loss Programs
      Provides basic skills training, personalized health and wellness plans, Braille instruction, and social activities (Freedom Fridays, Saavi Senior LIFE Retreat) to help seniors with vision loss maintain independence and connect with peers.
    • Senior Vision Loss Support and Training
      Provides basic skills training to help seniors with vision loss maintain independence at home, including cane skills, kitchen safety, home modifications, personalized health and wellness plans, computer and mobile device training, home and personal management skills, orientation and mobility training, Braille instruction, and social activities through weekly ASK classes and Freedom Fridays.
    • Support and Training for Seniors with Vision Loss
      Provides basic skills training, personalized health and wellness plans, technology training, and weekly ASK classes and social activities (Freedom Fridays, Saavi Senior LIFE Retreat) to help seniors with vision loss maintain independence and connect with peers.
    • Weekly Independent Living Classes
      Offers free weekly in-person and select virtual classes in Phoenix and Tucson to teach skills for independent living after vision loss, including access to tools and learning materials, with childcare and English interpretation available upon request.
  • Youth Workforce & Independence Training for Blind Individuals 4 activities
    • Youth and Transition Services
      Offers year-round youth and transition services, including the R.E.A.L. program, to provide tools, training, and confidence for blind children and students to support higher levels of success and prepare for employment or post-secondary education.
    • Youth and Transition Services
      Offers year-round youth and transition services, including the R.E.A.L. program, to provide tools, training, and confidence for blind children, and prepares blind students for employment, post-secondary education, vocational certification, or GED.
    • Youth and Transition Services
      Offers year-round youth and transition services, including the R.E.A.L. program, to provide tools, training, and confidence for blind children and students, preparing them for employment and supporting post-secondary education or vocational certification.
    • Youth and Transition Services
      Offers year-round youth and transition services, including the R.E.A.L. program, to support blind children in achieving higher levels of success and preparing blind students for employment, post-secondary education, vocational certification, or GED.
  • Disability-Specific Career & Independence Training 3 activities
    • Blindness Rehabilitation Training Centers
      Operates two NBPCB Certified Structured Discovery Training Centers in Tucson and Phoenix, offering non-visual skills training to individuals of all ages to support independent living and employment.
    • Blindness Rehabilitation Training Centers
      Operates blindness rehabilitation training centers in Tucson and Phoenix, certified as Structured Discovery centers, offering non-visual skills training to individuals of all ages, including comprehensive day programs for adults and statewide services for blind children, adults, and seniors.
    • Blindness Rehabilitation Training Centers
      Operates two NBPCB Certified Structured Discovery Training Centers in Tucson and Phoenix, offering comprehensive non-visual skills training to individuals of all ages, including business and independent living skills for adults, and support for children and seniors with vision loss.
  • Supported Employment for People with Disabilities 2 activities
    • Vocational Rehabilitation Program Services
      Provides free services to participants enrolled in the Department of Economic Security's Vocational Rehabilitation Program.
    • Vocational Rehabilitation Services
      Provides free services to participants enrolled in the Department of Economic Security's Vocational Rehabilitation Program.
financials · form 990 · fy2021
revenue
Total revenue$6.20M
Contributions & grants$1.40M23%
Program service revenue$4.45M72%
Investment income$355K6%
Other revenue$4K
expenses
Total expenses$5.06M
Program expenses88%
Admin / overhead9%
Fundraising3%
Salaries & benefits$3.65M
Grants paid out$0
Largest expense lineCompensation
balance sheet
Total assets$10.88M
Cash$4.04M
Investments$950K
Liabilities$5.94M
Net assets$4.94M
Liquid reserves11.8 mo
2 years on record · 2020–2021 · YoY revenue +11.3%
leadership · form 990 part vii · fy2021

who runs it

paid leadership · 6
NameTitleHours/wkCompensation
Michael Gordon CEO 40 $168K
Amy Porterfield Chief Operating Officer 40 $111K
Marti Kurtz-Aniba Chief Human Resources Officer 40 $94K
Ryan Thomas Chief Financial Officer 40 $83K
Jaime Trausch Chief Technology Officer 40 $81K
Joanne Gabias Chief Quality Officer 40 $65K
board members · 8
  • John Hart — Member
  • Ken Krapf — Treasurer
  • Lauren Kaplan — President
  • Leslie Weintraub — Secretary
  • Richard Chagnon — Member
  • Richard Nunez — Member
  • Robert Kresmer — Member
  • Shari Gooter — Vice President
relationships · 11

who they work with

  • AZ Department of Economic Security Partner — Collaborates with guest speakers from the AZ Department of Economic Security to educate participants on vocational rehabilitation services.
  • AZ Gives Day Partner — Participates in AZ Gives Day as a fundraising partner.
  • Arizona Rehabilitation Services Administration Government — Partner agency through which participants must enroll to access SAAVI's Comprehensive Day Program and Older Independent Living Blind Program.
  • Felicia Vazquez Partner — Silver Senior LIFE Retreat contact person responsible for intake forms and program information.
  • Melanie Melady Partner — Manager of Senior Services - Silver Canes program, primary contact for senior services.
  • National Blindness Professional Certification Board Network — Collaborates with the National Blindness Professional Certification Board as a certified Structured Discovery Training Center.
  • National Federation of the Blind Partner — Introduces participants to the National Federation of the Blind as a resource for mentorship and advocacy.
  • National Federation of the Blind Partner — Partners with the National Federation of the Blind to advocate and influence legislative and lawful practices relevant to the blind community.
  • National Federation of the Blind of Arizona Partner — Referral partner for self-advocacy support and resources.
  • Social Security Administration Partner — Hosts guest speakers from the Social Security Administration to provide information on disability benefits.
  • Structured Discovery Network — Certified Structured Discovery centers providing non-visual skills training.