The Rev. Gabriel Medicine Eagle, of the Lakota Sioux tribe of South Dakota, was preaching in Western Pennsylvania several years ago on the subject of discipleship.

“It’s not complicated. It’s like steak,” he said. “When you’re a child you, get a first taste of steak. You like it. You ask for more. Later someone teaches you how to make steak for yourself. You give others a taste. Later, you teach them how to make steak. That’s discipleship.”

Indeed, it is not a complicated concept: Experience something good, learn how to obtain it for yourself, show your friends and family how they can enjoy this good thing, too.

This is precisely what Bonnie and Victor Wilczynski Sr. have done in Jefferson Township.

The Sunday Eagle featured a story about their new nonprofit, Austin’s Place, named in honor of their special-needs son.

They were inspired to open Austin’s Place after Austin Wilczynski graduated from the Watson Institute at age 21. The educational organization is not equipped to serve the special needs of adults beyond that age.

The family could have looked around and focused on their unsolved problem. Instead, they looked within and came up with a solution. To lean on the Rev. Medicine Eagle’s analogy, Bonnie and Victor Wilczynski realized they would need to open a steakhouse to keep Austin fed. And here’s the compelling detail: Having cared for Austin from birth, they knew the exact way Austin likes it done.

Having just raised a special-needs child to adulthood, they possess a wealth of knowledge and practical experience — how the system works, who’s who in a complex network of services, and most importantly, how it’s all funded. Austin’s siblings share that experience, which only comes with day-to-day routine practice.

The result is a 15-room, two-story house dedicated and furnished for special-needs adults. There’s also a barn, a three-car garage with an apartment above, and a swimming pool. Grant money and a lot of volunteer help put the place in order.

The 18 staff members include Austin’s brother, Victor Jr., and sisters Amanda and Samantha. Austin’s Place serves individuals with disabilities including cerebral palsy, autism, blindness, deafness and seizure disorders.

What’s not so obvious to outsiders is the service and support for the families of special needs adults; for many, it’s a few hours of much-needed respite, and the assurance that capable people are providing safe, appropriate recreation and stimulation to a vulnerable loved one.

Austin’s Place opened July 5 at 447 Dinnerbell Road. There will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. Friday. It should be welcomed as an integral new service to the community.