HOUSTON -- A search group that is often the first call for help for those who have missing loved ones is worried about its future. Texas EquuSearch said Friday it is operating at a deficit of $60,000, KPRC Local 2 reported.

The non-profit group has conducted 107 searches for missing people this year.

The most recent case was solved Thursday when searchers found the body of 12-year-old Teketria Buggs in the Brazos River. She had been missing since Dec. 2.

EquuSearch's founder, Tim Miller, said it's a hard job, but it needs to be done.

"There's one thing worse than having a murdered child or loved one, and that's probably knowing they're dead someplace and never being able to say good-bye. It's totally impossible for these families to go through a healing process until they know," Miller said.

Miller knows that grief firsthand -- his daughter, Laura, was murdered and missing for 17 months until her body was found.

Searches can be expensive operations, including sonar equipment that costs thousands of dollars to rent for water searches.

Police credit the group's dedication in finding missing people.

"There's no way to calculate the importance of it. It's very critical," said Craig Brady, with the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Department.

While EquuSearch has been all over the world trying to provide closure and clear missing person cases, the future of the organization is in question.

"We're at a point where we're kind of scared. We're kind of worried that the finances are going to totally run out and we're not going to be able to do it anymore," Miller said.

He's still hoping for the best and remains dedicated to finding those missing.

"I've canceled several appointments that could have been possible funding because we get a call from a family member that says, 'We need you.' That's more important at the time," Miller said.

Anyone who would like to help Texas EquuSearch should call (281) 309-9500 or visit its Web site at www.texasequusearch.org.