Organization

Sheltering Tree, Inc. was formed in 2006 as a Christian non-profit organization by parents and siblings of special needs persons. Through Sheltering Tree, Inc. these family members began their mission to develop a premiere, safe, caring, and affordable long-term housing community, properly managed by loving live-in caregivers for young adults with mild to moderate developmental disabilities.

Motivation

Developmental disabilities are life-long disabilities attributable to mental and/or
physical impairments. They affect an adult’s capacity for independent living and
sustainable employment. Few people with developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome and autism can live independently and find employment as well as establish and maintain friendships without assistance. Often they must live with their aging parents and their opportunities to engage in activities are
limited. They become lonely. Adults with developmental disabilities, like all of us,
want a home of their own, a job, and an opportunity to live their lives as they choose.

At age 21, a person with developmental disabilities is considered an adult in
Nebraska. They have gone to school, practiced job skills, and are socially capable
and ready to contribute to their community. However, 75% will never find meaningful employment and it can take decades before state-funded housing becomes available to them. The need is great for housing and jobs, and there are not enough options. It is time to change this.