Refuge Service, Inc.

Services focus on Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, Hippotheraphy, and Therapeutic Riding. Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy is an intensive therapy service incorporating horses into the therapy process. Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding provide therapy and support for children and adults with disabilities through the use of horses.

Patti Mandrell came to the Texas Tech University Small Business Development Center - Lubbock for assistance with writing a business plan and financial projections to purchase Turff Therapy. Susan Hoke, Business Counselor at the SBDC, assisted Patti in completing her business plan and financial projections. Patti was able to secure financing for the purchase of property, equipment, and buildings in October 2006. Patti and Susan also utilized the SBDC Business and Industry Data Center and the SBDC National Research Network to provide her with critical research data for her business plan.

Due to the nature of this purchase, one non-profit purchasing another non-profit, some obstacles needed to be overcome. First, was working with a board of directors with different ideas on the amount that needed to be borrowed. Numerous financial projections were created to analyze the impact of different levels of financing. Secondly, was the purchase of Turff Therapy. The property that Turff Therapy sits upon was donated by one individual. The deed stated that if the owners of Turff decided to sell the business that the land would be transferred to Texas Boys Ranch. Negotiations began with the original donor to change this deed. Patti kept Susan up-todate on the progress of the negotiations. Research was used as needed to answer questions as they came up, such as a fixed principal loan. It took many months to complete this transaction so all parties were satisfied. Lastly, financing through traditional methods was not an option and so the land donor financed a large portion and the remaining balance was financed by the owners of Turff Therapy. Financial projections were revised to reflect a standard loan and a fixed principal loan. Although much time was spent completing this transaction, the end result of having all equine therapies in one location has increased business and accessibility.