Fillmore Glen in Moravia has been a favorite destination for swimmers, hikers and campers, but Bert Breese Jr. wants to make it a spiritual destination, as well.

He is hoping teens and young adults from the Moravia area will come out on Monday and Wednesday evenings for his “Souled Out Ministry” program.

“A few months ago,” Breese said, “I saw a television program about a biker who is also an ordained minister who had an outreach program for teens. He would serve 30 to 40 meals once a week and teach the kids about the Lord.”

Inspired by what he saw, Breese researched similar programs across the country, several of which, although having no connection to each other, were called “Souled Out Ministry.” He liked the title and decided to use it for his own program, as well.

Breese has also been motivated by the work of Chip Ingram, a nationally recognized pastor and speaker.

“I listened to Chip's series of DVDs, ‘How to Land your Dream Job/How to Find Your Calling in Life.' Ingram said to reflect on what you've been taught and on what you've learned in life,” Breese explained. “I wanted to do something good with my life. It if turns out to be full-time after this, that would be great.”

Breese knows first-hand about the hardships teenagers face, and the consequences that can occur if wrong choices are made.

“I got in with the wrong crowd when I was a teenage,” he said. “I started smoking and drinking, skipping school, even skipping church.”

Now determined to reach out to teens, Breese wrote a mission statement that is very personal to him: “To help individuals in the Moravia area who are on the wrong paths because of any reason find a better path to take.”

“(For teens) not be like I was as a teenager and young adult,” he added. “I feel this is my calling to do.”

Knowing that this is a challenge with all the other interests teens may pursue, Breese is also trying to develop a network of information with local school teachers and guidance counselors, the Moravia Chamber of Commerce, the local Rotary Club and social service and law enforcement professionals.

“Now that school is out,” Breese said, “I want to get the word out about what I'm doing. This program may help some teens who are restless, lonely, depressed or angry to deal constructively with their personal or family issues.”

In order to raise money, Breese is holding a bottle and can drive at the old Modern Market parking lot in Moravia Tuesday, July 26. Contributions may also be sent to Souled Out Ministry, c/o Bert Breese, 6307 Howell Road, Locke, NY 13092. Breese is looking for a meeting location that he will be able to use all year long, but until then, he will meet every Monday and Wednesday night from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Main Pavilion of Fillmore Glen. There is no parking fee at that time.

Teens who would like to come out for Breese's programs can just talk or join in with some of the activities he has planned. He is very interested in helping teens to reach their potential by identifying their talents and goals.

“By looking at myself and making some better choices,” he said, “I was able to turn my own life around, and I want to help others do the same.”