Our Story
Sheltering Tree was founded by Tom and Shirley McNally, driven by their personal experience with their son who has Down syndrome. Recognizing the urgent need for safe and affordable housing for adults with developmental disabilities, the McNally family leveraged their 30 years of experience in the housing industry to create a model for residential living. In 2006, they began their mission, uniting the Omaha and Lincoln Orthodox Christian churches, local communities, and private donors to establish the first Sheltering Tree location in 2008. The organization embodies the values of the McNally family, symbolized by the tree that shelters many branches.