Realizing that finding a new location had become a priority, the organization turns to the small, family-run Frees Foundation for help.
Nancy Frees Fountain, managing director of the foundation, suggested the vacant cantina building when it came up for auction on foreclosure. After a title search and structural and environmental inspections cleared the path to buy the building and land, the Frees Foundation provides $150,000 for the property, about $8,000 over the asking price.
“We closed the deal in September 2003 and started raising funds for renovations,” said Daniel Montez, founder and CEO.