SOUTHERN ARIZONA ASSOCIATION FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED (SAAVI).PDF

Created: 02/27/2018 • Last updated: 03/07/2018
General information
Organization Southern Arizona Association for the Visually Impaired
(SAAVI)
Contact First name Amy
Contact Last name Porterfield
Contact e-mail aporterfield@saavi.us
Contact phone number 520-396-8707
Address
Street 4222 E Thomas Rd., Suite 130
City Phoenix
State Arizona
ZIP Code 85018
From what tribe is the Gila River Indian Community
organization requesting the
grant?
Total grant amount request 30,000
1 / 2

The Gila River Indian Community offers multi-year awards. If your organization is
requesting a multi-year grant for this project or program from the Gila River Indian
Community, enter the amount to be requested each year.
Amount
Year 1 (Gila River Indian
30,000
Community Grants Only)
Year 2 (Gila River Indian
Community Grants Only)
Year 3 (Gila River Indian
Community Grants Only)
Year 4 (Gila River Indian
Community Grants Only)
Year 5 (Gila River Indian
Community Grants Only)
2 / 2

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P.O. Box 2508 In reply refer to: 0752258385
Cincinnati OH 45201 Dec. 06, 2017 LTR 4168C 0
86—6056057 000000 00
00016504
BODC: TE
SOUTHERN ARIZONA ASSOCIATION
FOR THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED
•% ALAN CLARK
3767 E GRANT RD
TUCSON AZ 85716-2935
023794
Employer ID Number: 86-6056057
Form 990 required: Yes
Dear Taxpayer:
This is in response to your request dated Nov. 27, 2017, regarding
your tax—exempt status.
We issued you a determination letter in July of 1966, recognizing
you as tax—exempt under Internal Revenue Code (IRC) Section 501(c)
(3).
Our records also indicate you’re not a private foundation as defined
under IRC Section 509(a) because you’re described in IRC Sections
509(a)(1) and 170(b)(1)(A)(vi).
Donors can deduct contributions they make to you as provided in IRC
Section 170. You’re also qualified to receive tax deductible bequests,
legacies, devises, transfers, or gifts under IRC Sections 2055, 2106,
and 2522.
In the heading of this letter, we indicated whether you must file an
annual information return. If a return is required, you must file Form
990, 990—EZ, 990—N, or 990-PF by the 15th day of the fifth month after
the end of your annual accounting period. IRC Section 6033(j) provides
that, if you don’t file a required annual information return or notice
for three consecutive years, your exempt status will be automatically
revoked on the filing due date of the third required return or notice.
For tax forms, instructions, and publications, visit www.irs.gov or
call 1-800-TAX-FORM (1-800-829-3676).
If you have questions, call 1-877-829-5500 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
local time, Monday through Friday (Alaska and Hawaii follow Pacific
Time)

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2018
Cover Sheet
Municipality Information
1. Date of Application: 2/25/2018 (NOTE: Click or use up/down arrow keys to move among
fields)
2. Name of City, Town or County: Maricopa County
3. Mayor (City or Town) or Board of Supervisor’s Chairman (County): Steve Chucri
4. Mailing Address: 301 W. Jefferson Ave, Suite 960
5. City: Phoenix State: Arizona Zip Code: 85003
6. Acknowledgement of Submission by Authorized Municipality Representative:
Typed Name/Title: Zachary Wolfe, Finance Department Signature:
Applicant Information
7. Department/Organization Name: Southern Arizona Association for the Visually Impaired (SAAVI)
8. Is this a 501c non-profit Organization? No Yes If yes, attach IRS Determination Letter
9. Application Contact Person: Amy Porterfield Title: Chief Operating Officer
10. Phone Number: 520-396-8707
11. Mailing Address: 4222 E. Thomas Rd.
12. City: Phoenix State: Arizona Zip Code: 85018
13. Email Address: aporterfield@saavi.us Website Address: www.saavi.us
Project Information
14. Project Name: Reaching Empowerment through Achievement and Learning (R.E.A.L.) Program for
Blind Children
15. Purpose of Grant: Expand Educational Programming for Blind Children in Maricopa County
16. Priority Funding Area Education
17. Annual amount requested $30,000
18. Number of years that funding is 1
requested
19. Total amount requested (annual $30,000
amount x number of years)
20. Has your organization received past No. N/A
funding from GRIC? If yes, list each year
and amount
21. Geographic area served Phoenix and Maricopa County
For Office Use Only:
Data Entry Receipt Evaluation
Outcome A Approval Recommended/Amount $ A Denial

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2018
Narrative
Please structure your proposal to provide the following information in the order indicated. Provide the narrative
in paragraph form in the text field provided. Please be thorough but strive for brevity.
1. Briefly describe the organization’s history, mission and goals.
SAAVI, formerly known as Tucson Association for the Blind (TAB), was founded in 1966 as a place for blind
people in Tucson to meet and share in activities with one another. As TAB grew, so did its purpose and goal.
TAB changed its name to Southern Arizona Association for the Visually Impaired, as programs and services
were provided to the blind community throughout Tucson, Pima County and Southern Arizona.
The Southern Arizona Association for the Visually Impaired quickly became known as SAAVI. SAAVI
continued to grow and meet the needs of the blind community – we opened training centers in Phoenix and
Yuma, as well as provide distance learning for clients and Teachers of the Visually Impaired throughout the
state. SAAVI is now a nonprofit organization that serves 2,000+ blind children, adults, and seniors annually.
Our mission is to provide dynamic and progressive hands-on experiences and opportunities that allow our
students to meet their vocational and life goals. Our primary goal is for our students to enroll in, and complete,
college/training programs and enter the workforce. Our vision is that no one should expect less for themselves
because of their blindness.
SAAVI offers programs/services such as:
• Training for Adults: Comprehensive, day-based centralized program provides intensive and
immersive instruction in the following areas: Communication Skills, Techniques for Daily Living, Low Vision
Rehabilitation, Counseling, College Preparation/Study Skills, Braille Instruction, Orientation & Mobility,
Therapeutic Social Recreation/Education, Assistive Technology, and Vocational Services.
• Training for Children: R.E.A.L. Program (Reaching Empowerment through Achievement and
Learning): This program serves blind children (birth through age 18) and involves Life Coaches and mentors
who work with families, siblings, and blind students so they gain the confidence and skills they need to
participate and excel in school, home, and community activities.
• Training for Young Adults: Steppin’ Out: This program is designed for young adults who have
recently graduated high school and would like to learn how to be confident and independent when living on
their own. Students live in apartments and learn how to balance school work with vocational training, so they
can be prepared to live their adult lives as competent, independent blind people.
• Training for Seniors: Health and Wellness Program for Seniors: This program promotes physical,
mental and emotional health, and empowerment for individuals who are retired and have lost their vision.
Through exercise, sports, and outdoor activities, our senior students are able to maintain their independence
and well-being. Seniors can also take advantage of training and activities of daily living, Braille, technology
training, adjustment to blindness support groups, counseling, and orientation and mobility.
2. If the applying organization is non-municipal or a non-profit 501c, please describe your relationship with
Arizona municipalities including past and present support, whether through partnerships, collaborations,
in-kind contributions, grants, tax-based funding or other. Describe the supporting municipality’s role in
this project. If the applying organization is a municipality governmental sub-division please enter the
text “Not applicable.”

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2018
Throughout the last 50+ years, SAAVI has built excellent relationships with municipalities in Tucson, Yuma,
Pima County, and Maricopa County (and throughout the state). The services we are reqesting funding for are
located throughout Maricopa County, so we thought it was appropriate to choose Maricopa County as the
supporting municipality.
3. Describe the proposed project and planned goals and activities.
SAAVI is requesting funding to expand our Reaching Empowerment through Achievement and Learning
(R.E.A.L.) program by serving additional youth throughout Phoenix and Maricopa County. R.E.A.L. provides
blind children with opportunities to gain the education and life skills needed to become independent and
successful in school and life. The ultimate goal is to increase the number of blind people who go on to post-
secondary education, receive a college degree, enter the workforce, and achieve independence.
The R.E.A.L. program helps blind children learn on par with their sighted peers by augmenting school
services. By creating positive experiences that cultivate a healthy approach to living with blindness at
an early age, the program helps blind children succeed in school and eventually gain the skills to
become employed and actively participate in society. Programming includes Saturday sessions,
summer programming, and home visits. Activities engage blind children in age-appropriate learning
opportunities such as how to: play safely outdoors, use a cane to travel independently, manage
money, prepare food, navigate to classes, and access current technology (computer, iPhone, or
iPad). In addition, parents/caregivers and other family members receive guidance, support,
education, and tips for helping their blind child succeed in a sighted world. Families are engaged in
activities together which is critically important to build the confidence, social skills, family bonds and
sense of well-being blind children desperately need to successfully pursue their personal and
academic interests, goals and dreams. Through a variety of social and recreational activities, training,
support, and role-modeling from blind instructors, program goals and objectives are achieved by
developing life, skills, self-confidence, community connection, and increased quality of life for all
children and families served.
Programming is facilitated by highly-trained program staff. Blind high school/college mentors provide support
and hands-on experiences, teaching blind children how to navigate our complex world. Through R.E.A.L, blind
children have the opportunity to make friends and socialize with other children that are blind and visually
impaired as well.
The program will serve a total of approximately 100 blind/visually impaired low-income youth, ages 5 - 18
(grades K-12) and 100 parents and family members. Success is tracked through pre- and post-surveys,
monthly evaluations, parent/child feedback, and staff observation.

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2018
By the end of the program, expected measurable outcomes include:
* 5,000 hours of client services will be provided.
* 100 blind children will gain increased independent living skills including skills for: independent travel, personal
grooming, food preparation, money management, household chores, and academic success;
* 100 parents/caregivers will gain increased knowledge and understanding of living with blindness/visual
impairment including their child’s challenges and need for normalcy, approaches for providing caring and
constructive support to maximize independence and confidence, and thereby facilitating optimal quality of life
for the entire family.
* 100% of participants will have opportunities to participate in physical activities to encourage mobility and
increased health outcomes;
* 90% of participants will report increased confidence/self-esteem, inclusion, and independence;
* 90% of participants will demonstrate more competence in their environment;
* 90% of participants will demonstrate improved grades in school.
SAAVI tracks participants from kindergarten through high school graduation and post-secondary education
until they transition into their careers. Many program alumni return to SAAVI to teach and/or mentor blind
children and work with families in the program because of the positive experiences and support they received
through our programs.
4. Describe how the proposed project satisfies one or more of the priority funding areas identified by the
Gila River Indian Community.
This program satisfies the “Education” priority area identified by the Gila River Indian Community in that is
provides specialized/individual education and training necessary to learn skills and competencies to navigate
each child’s environment, and learn critical daily living skills. This program also teaches blind and visually
impaired children the adaptive computer, literacy, braille, independent living, and social skills they will need to
succeed in school and in life.
It is also important to note that the REAL Program for Blind Children at SAAVI is not a program that is
duplicated in schools. The blind and visually impaired students that we serve are only with their Teacher of the
Visually Impaired at school one or two times per week. Thus, they do not have the time it takes to learn all of
these skills proficiently.
5. Identify the needs/problems to be addressed, target population and number of people to be served by
the project.

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2018
As of January 2017, 163,987 people in Arizona were blind and visually impaired, including 13,704 individuals
under the age of 18 (American Foundation for the Blind, http://www.afb.org/info/blindness-statistics/state-
specific-statistical-information/arizona/). Performing activities such as grooming, crossing a street, and using
technology is challenging for blind children. This impacts social and motor development and language
acquisition, which negatively impacts self-esteem, physical and mental health, academics, and, ultimately,
employment prospects (only 22% of people identified as blind are employed according to the Bureau of Labor
Statistics). With Arizona’s tight school budgets, there is a widening gap between public school services and
learning opportunities blind children need, with blind students typically only meeting their Teacher of the
Visually Impaired at school 1-2 times per week.
A total of 200+ clients will benefit including 100 blind children and 100 parents/caregivers and other family
members. This program serves blind children, ages 5-18 (grades K-12), and parents/caregivers, siblings and
other family members in Tucson, representing a diverse group of races and ethnicities. Approximately 85% of
families have incomes below the poverty line.
6. Define the project as a new or continuing program.
This is a continuing and expanding program in Maricopa County.
7. Provide a brief timeline including start and finish dates. Indicate if the timeline is flexible.
This program is ongoing and meets on Saturdays throughout the school year and for two weeks
during the summer. Funding received from the Gila River Indian Community would be used over a
one-year period.
8. Identify other organizations, partners or funders participating in the project and their roles.
SAAVI partners with: Arizona School for the Deaf and Blind (ASDB), National Federation of the Blind Arizona
(NFB AZ), Arizona Association for Education and Rehabilitation for the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER),
Arizona Council of the Blind (ACB), Governor’s Council on Blindness and Visual Impairment (GCBVI), National
Association of Blind Parents and within the existing community at SAAVI.
Our comprehensive network of partners has access to our target population from birth to death—literally. Case
history, educational services, family living environment, extenuating circumstances, and other target population
risk indicators are shared with our counselors and teaching staff. Each student’s needs are pre-identified and
case management plans created by SAAVI take all of the risk indicators into account and prescriptively
addresses them over the duration each child is enrolled in the program.
9. Would you be able to implement the proposed plan if your organization received partial funding for this
project?
SAAVI will implement the program, but expansion to serve additional blind children would not be
possible.

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2018
10. Describe your plan for project financial sustainability beyond the grant period. If this is a
program/project previously funded by the Gila River Indian Community describe efforts made towards
the previously described sustainability plan.
SAAVI has identified and applied to various grant sources for additional funding for this program. Our staff and
Board are highly committed to this program, as it is the foundation for all other programs at SAAVI. This
program is a priority, due to the limited services for blind and visually impaired children in the community.
11. Describe your plan to document progress and results.
SAAVI will document progress and results through pre- and post-surveys, competency assessments,
observation, and post-program follow-up with home schools and families. This approach uses quantitative (#
of competencies achieved vs. total # in program) and qualitative (effectiveness, impact, and skill set application
demonstrated) evaluation methodologies.
SAAVI would be happy to provide any and all interim and final reports required by the Gila River Indian
Community should this grant be funded.
12. Indicate any application to and/or awards made by a tribe other than the Gila River Indian Community
for state shared revenues for this and any other project for the past five (5) years. If this information is
included in a separate attachment, please indicate that here.
N/A

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2018
Project Budget
Budget Period: 7/1/2018 – 6/30/2017
For each budget item listed here please provide a narrative description on the following Project Budget Detail
page.
Proposed Budget Expense Amount Amount In Kind Total Budget
(list each budget item) requested from requested or contributions
GRIC secured from
other funders
1. Program Salaries $15,000 $47,784 $0 $62,784
2. Student Mentors $3,000 $3,192 $0 $6,192
3. Employee Related Expenses $4,760 $11,105 $0 $15,865
4. Program Supplies $0 $1,000 $0 $1,000
5. Recruitment $700 $0 $0 $700
6. Adaptive Equipment $1,300 $13,786 $0 $13,786
7. Client Activities $3,000 $2,600 $0 $5,600
8. Low Vision Aids $0 $5,000 $0 $5,000
9. Travel $1,000 $2,500 $0 $3,500
10. Occupancy $1,240 $0 $0 $1,240
11. Family Activities $0 $17,460 $0 $17,460
12. Click here to enter text. $0 $0 $0 $0
13. Click here to enter text. $0 $0 $0 $0
14. Click here to enter text. $0 $0 $0 $0
15. Click here to enter text. $0 $0 $0 $0
16. Click here to enter text. $0 $0 $0 $0
17. Click here to enter text. $0 $0 $0 $0
Total Budget $30,000 $104,427 $0 $134,427

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2018
Project Budget Detail
Please provide a narrative description for each of the project budget items listed on the previous page. Include
the dollar figure and how it was derived.
1. Program Salaries includes a portion of several staff members providing direct services to blind children
(Orientation and Mobility Instructors, Braille Instructor, Adaptive Technology Instructor, Counselors – total
expenses = $62,784.
2. Student Mentors includes blind mentors that work with youth in the program – total expenses = $6,192
3. Fringe includes the payroll taxes and other employee-related expenses for employees working on this
project - total expenses = $15,865.
4. Program Supplies includes activity supplies – total expenses = $1,000.
5. Recruitment includes recruiting students from schools and other community organizations to enroll in the
program – total expenses = $700.
6. Adaptive Equipment includes all program equipment needed to run the program – total expenses = $15,086
7. Client Activities include center- and community-based activities such as trips to museums, adaptive movie
theatres, adaptive physical activities, etc. – total expenses = $5,600.
8. Low Vision Kits are used in home visits and in center-based activities - total expense = $5,000.
9. Travel consists of mileage and maintenance and repairs on vehicles to pick up and drop off blind children for
program activities - total expenses = $3,500.
10. Occupancy includes a portion of the cost for our facility to run the program - total expense = $1,240.
11. Family Activities includes activities that parents, caregivers, and siblings participate in with their blind child -
total expense = $17,460.
12. Click here to enter text.
13. Click here to enter text.
14. Click here to enter text.
15. Click here to enter text.
16. Click here to enter text.

Gila River Indian Community Grant Application
Grant Cycle 2018
17. Click here to enter text.
Other explanation: Click here to enter text.