"I was introduced to Moore Buddies by Joyce, a longtime friend. With our kids now married adults and our grandkids (only one at the time) not close enough for frequent interaction, I realized that just maybe I was a good candidate to become a mentor. My wife, Patricia, was in agreement and became a key player in the effort.

From a short list of possibilities, Joyce and I selected a twelve-year-old boy, Isaiah, and the work and fun began.

I didn't have much of a clue about what we would be doing, so I started trying to match his needs with what I had to offer. I soon realized that I couldn't meet every need, but there were many opportunities to help him. Living with his mother and younger sister, he desperately needed interaction with an adult male. He also greatly needed a lot of encouragement. Communication was a bit of a problem since I am not a great conversationalist and he would barely speak at all, but we have worked through that at least to some degree.

He needed the opportunity to do stuff away from the apartment, so I included him in various projects around my house and at my shop. I had him do yard work and help with other projects for which I paid him and helped him save for times when he needed a little extra money. We both like sports, so we attended several school sporting events as well as several minor league baseball games. Together we repaired and painted his bedroom furniture and got a new (used) bed for him.

One of the greatest influences in our children's teenage years was their involvement in the youth group at our church, so with the approval of his mother, I got Isaiah involved in that same group.

Some of his school friends were already there, and he has made friends with many more. He attends almost every week, sometimes more than once. He has also been with this group on various day trips, weekend excursions, and even week-long retreats and mission trips.

One more unique thing Patricia and I have done is to include him in several family events including holiday gatherings and week-long family vacations also including our grandson. In many ways, we have treated him as a grandson. We also have ministered to his mother in many ways such as helping her get a vehicle through a program called Wheels-to-Work, helping her get a good used washer and dryer, helping her get assistance with overdue bills, and offering her a lot of encouragement.

It has been five and a half years now, and the things we do together and the way we approach things have evolved as he gets older and his needs, interests, and activities have changed, but I will just say that I believe this young fellow has come a long way and the experience has been good for Patricia and I as well."

~Bobby Teague, Mentor

Bobby & Patricia helped guide Isaiah in purchasing a car after he received his driver’s license.