When Janice Swope first thought about forming a Bible study group for mentally challenged adults, she was beset by uncertainties.

"I wasn't too sure I wanted to," admitted Swope, 62, of Portersville. "But when the Lord pushes you to do something, you just have to do it."

She said she decided to trust in God, and the group has been going strong for more than 13 years.

Swope is a longtime volunteer at Community Care Connections in Butler, which provides services to about 750 people in Butler County who are mentally or physically handicapped.

Swope became frustrated when she could not find a Bible study group for her daughter Robin, now 27, who has special needs.

Staff at Community Care Connections suggested she start a group herself.

"We thought that there was probably an unmet need in the lives of some people who had disabilities," said executive director Pat Brennen.

Swope and her husband, Dave, 58, agreed the spiritual needs of that population were underserved.

"There really isn't anything of that nature for mentally challenged adults or teens," Swope said. "It seems that the Christian community doesn't pay a whole lot of attention to this group of people."

Bible study participants are required to have permission from a parent or legal guardian, Brennen said, and the course of study is clearly outlined.

"It does not promote any particular religious denomination's views," Brennen said. "Still, we wanted families to feel really comfortable about what their son or daughter might be exposed to when they're at this program."

The group started with three or four attendees. Today, about 25 students ranging in age from their 20s to 60s meet for two hours every other Monday during the school year.

"It's really come together," Swope said. "I know this is what I'm supposed to be doing."

Community Care Connections provides the group a place to meet at its Supportive Adult Days Services facility on Whitestown Road in Butler.

Each meeting opens with Christian music and hymns, and then a time for prayer.

Several students bring lists of what they would like the group to pray for and others chime in with their requests.

Their prayers are no different from anyone else's, Swope said, and most are concerned about the well-being of those close to them.

"They pray about people they know who are traveling, birthdays coming up, new babies coming into their families," she said. "Mostly the things everybody else prays about."

Then, Swope introduces a Bible verse and tells a related story, followed by a craft and snack.

Swope, who taught fifth and sixth grade for 15 years, makes up most of her own classroom materials.

"This year, we're studying the Book of Joshua," Swope said.

Since its inception, the group has covered six complete books of the Bible, the life of Jesus, parables, miracles and a study on prayer.

About seven volunteers assist the Swopes, though they said they could always use more help.

"These kids are very special," said Dave Swope. "You get more out of it than you put into it."

The program costs about $1,100 a year, which covers craft supplies, snacks and other classroom materials.

The group depends on donations, since its religious nature prevents eligibility for government funding, Brennen said.

Members of the Swopes' church, Zion Baptist in Slippery Rock, have been very generous, but there have been difficult times, Dave Swope said.

"Sometimes, it can be pretty hard, but God always comes through and provides what we need," he said. "We've had a number of times when we've really questioned how we were going to have enough hands to do this — it's always neat how people step up and join in."

Both Janice and Dave Swope have served in various roles at Community Care Connections for more than 20 years, and Janice currently serves on the organization's board of directors.

Community Care Connections recognized Janice Swope last month as the Volunteer of the Year.

Brennen said the organization felt it was necessary to honor Janice's "tremendous commitment."

"She lets absolutely nothing stand in her way of doing this," Brennen said. "The amount of time and effort she puts into this, it's a commitment over and above what many people would do."

For information, contact Pat Brennen at 724-283-3198 or ccc@communitycareconnect.org.