Blog - LIFTT

LIFTT Board of Directors meets March 12

The LIFTT Board of Directors will hold an ordinary meeting on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at 4 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually via Zoom. The public is invited to attend the meeting and offer comments during the public comment period.

Click here to view or download the meeting agenda and Zoom invitation for the March 12, 2026, LIFTT board of directors meeting. (Adobe PDF)

About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides aging and disabled members of the community with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south-central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for your Apple or Android Device.

Our Vision: Empowering aging and disabled individuals to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.

Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow – LIFTT’s mission is to empower aging and disabled individuals to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

LIFTT purchases KXGN building to be new Glendive home

A rendering of LIFTT’s new Glendive home.The former KXGN Building at 206 Douglas Street will house LIFTT’s Independent Living Services, an upLIFTT Thrift store, and RideWell, LIFTT’s ADA Accessible Rural Transportation Program (AI-assisted).

206 S. Douglas St. location will house LIFTT’s Independent Living Services, the upLIFTT Thrift Store, and the RideWell Transportation Program

Glendive, MT, February 20, 2026 — Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT), a Montana nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving 18 counties across South-Central and Eastern Montana, is proud to announce the purchase of the former KXGN broadcasting site, located at 206 South Douglas Street in Glendive, Montana.

This historic property, long recognized as a landmark in the Glendive community, will soon take on a new mission. It will become a place where independence is strengthened, barriers are removed, and opportunity is expanded for aging adults, individuals with disabilities, and families across Eastern Montana.

For LIFTT, this purchase represents a major milestone and a powerful step forward. For the community, it represents something even greater: a permanent home for essential services that support dignity, stability, and full participation in everyday life.

“This is one of the most exciting and meaningful achievements in LIFTT’s history,” said Carlos A. Ramalho, Executive Director of LIFTT. “This building will become a center of hope and practical support for the people of Eastern Montana. It will allow us to provide the quality independent living services our communities deserve, not temporarily, but permanently.”

A Permanent Home for Independent Living Services

LIFTT’s Independent Living Program helps individuals build the tools, confidence, and resources they need to live life on their own terms. Many people across Eastern Montana face challenges such as isolation, poverty, limited access to housing, disability-related barriers, and the absence of transportation options. In rural communities, even basic services can feel out of reach.

From this new permanent location in Glendive, LIFTT will continue to provide essential services including independent living skills training, peer support, information and referral, advocacy, and assistance navigating benefits and community resources.

“This is more than a building,” said Jen Hawkinson, Regional Manager for LIFTT in Glendive. “This is a permanent home for people who need support, encouragement, and real resources. It will allow us to serve our community with greater stability and greater capacity. We are excited for what this means for the future of Eastern Montana.”

upLIFTT Thrift Store: Community Support, Local Opportunity

The former KXGN building will also house the upLIFTT Thrift Store, a community-centered initiative designed to strengthen quality of life in Glendive and surrounding rural communities.

The upLIFTT Thrift Store will provide affordable access to clothing, household items, furniture, and essential goods. This will help individuals and families stretch limited budgets while supporting sustainability and community connection. Proceeds from the store will also help support LIFTT programs and services in Eastern Montana.

RideWell: Revolutionizing Rural Transportation in Eastern Montana

The building will also serve as the interim operational home for RideWell, LIFTT’s developing ADA Accessible Rural Transportation Program.

RideWell is being created to address one of the most urgent barriers facing Eastern Montana: transportation. In many rural communities, public transportation does not exist. Travel distances can exceed 250 miles round-trip for medical appointments. For individuals with disabilities, older adults, and low-income residents, these distances can lead to missed care, delayed treatment, unemployment, and isolation.

RideWell will help change that by providing safe, reliable, and ADA-compliant transportation across rural communities, supporting access to medical care, prescriptions, employment, education, and community engagement.

“RideWell is going to change lives,” said Tina Carter, Transportation Coordinator for LIFTT. “Accessible transportation is not a luxury. It is what allows people to stay healthy, keep appointments, maintain independence, and remain connected to their communities. This building gives us the space and stability we need to move RideWell forward and bring this program closer to full operation.”

RideWell will operate from this location until its permanent garage and vehicle shop can be built at 119 South Bell Street in Glendive, where LIFTT plans to develop a dedicated transportation facility.

A Future Built on Commitment and Community

The purchase of the Douglas Street facility reflects LIFTT’s long-term commitment to Glendive and to the communities of Eastern Montana. It will allow LIFTT to expand services, strengthen partnerships, and build a stable foundation for growth.

LIFTT believes rural communities deserve the same quality of services available in larger cities. This investment ensures that aging adults and individuals with disabilities will have access to services that respect their independence and protect their rights.

LIFTT looks forward to welcoming the public to this new facility and sharing updates as the building is prepared to open its doors as a hub of services, opportunity, and community progress. LIFTT plans to host an open house and community celebration in the coming months. Additional details will be announced soon.

About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides aging and disabled members of the community with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south-central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for your Apple device.

Our Vision: Empowering aging and disabled individuals to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.

Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow – LIFTT’s mission is to empower aging and disabled individuals to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Stockman Bank Supports LIFTT’s RideWell ADA Accessible Rural Transportation Program

Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow (LIFTT), a nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving South Central and Eastern Montana, is pleased to announce it has received generous community support from Stockman Bank in furtherance of LIFTT’s mission to promote independence, accessibility, and full community participation for aging adults and individuals with disabilities living in rural Montana.

This support will directly strengthen LIFTT’s developing ADA Accessible Rural Transportation Program, RideWell, which is being created to address one of the most persistent barriers to independence in Eastern Montana: reliable transportation.

In rural communities, access to transportation is not simply a convenience. It is an indispensable service. Without it, individuals may be unable to attend medical appointments, access pharmacies, shop for groceries, maintain employment, or participate fully in their communities. RideWell is being developed to ensure that aging adults, people with disabilities, and low-income residents have safe, reliable, and accessible transportation options, even across long distances.

RideWell is being developed to address transportation barriers that limit independence and opportunity across South Central and Eastern Montana. Its vision is to be a driving force in promoting independence and eliminating barriers for aging and disabled individuals through equitable transportation in rural Montana. Its mission is to bridge the transportation gap, including in Native American reservation communities, by providing reliable, ADA-compliant transportation that supports access to education, healthcare, employment, and community engagement, ensuring the right to mobility and inclusion for aging and disabled individuals.

“We are sincerely grateful to Stockman Bank for standing with LIFTT and for supporting RideWell at a critical time in the program’s development,” said Tina Carter, Transportation Coordinator of LIFTT’s RideWell ADA Accessible Rural Transportation Program. “This kind of partnership is how rural communities build lasting solutions. Stockman Bank understands that transportation supports health, independence, and stability. Their support helps bring RideWell closer to reality.”

Stockman Bank is Montana’s largest family-owned community bank, with full-service locations across the state. Founded in 1953, Stockman remains uniquely focused on Montana and provides comprehensive banking products and services, along with state-of-the-art online and mobile banking, wealth management, and insurance services.

“Stockman Bank believes in supporting the communities we serve and investing in organizations that improve the quality of life for Montanans,” said Alisha Sackman, Glendive Branch Manager for Stockman Bank.

“LIFTT’s work reflects the values that strengthen our communities: independence, dignity, and the belief that every person should have access to the resources they need to live fully. We are proud to support the RideWell program and the impact it will have across Eastern Montana.”

LIFTT’s RideWell program will provide accessible transportation options for individuals who often have no alternative means of travel. Many rural residents must travel long distances for specialty healthcare, and in some areas, transportation gaps create real risks to safety and well-being. With RideWell, LIFTT is working to ensure that people in rural Montana are not isolated from essential services simply because of geography or disability. This contribution from Stockman Bank reflects a shared belief that communities thrive when people are supported not only in moments of crisis, but also through long-term, practical investments that strengthen independence and opportunity.

About Stockman Bank

Stockman Bank is Montana’s largest, family-owned community bank, with convenient full-service locations across the state. Founded in 1953,

Stockman remains uniquely focused on Montana, offering comprehensive banking products and services, along with state-of-the-art online and mobile banking, wealth management, and insurance services. Stockman believes in supporting and giving back to the communities it serves and in investing in organizations that help preserve and improve Montana’s unique lifestyle. For more information, please visit stockmanbank.com

About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides aging and disabled members of the community with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south-central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for your Apple device.

Our Vision: Empowering aging and disabled individuals to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.

Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow – LIFTT’s mission is to empower aging and disabled individuals to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

January 2026 LIFTT Connection Now Available!

The January Edition of the LIFTT Connection Newsletter is now available!

View the January 2026 LIFTT Connection Newsletter Email on the Web

Download the January 2026 LIFTT Connection Newsletter Email (Adobe PDF)

In this issue of the LIFTT Connection:

You can request to join our email list and receive the January 2026 LIFTT Connection Newsletter and future newsletters by sending your name and address to jedb@liftt.org. Also, look for articles from the newsletter to be posted on liftt.org and our Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn feeds.

About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides aging and disabled members of the community with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south-central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for your Apple device.

Our Vision: Empowering aging and disabled individuals to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.

Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow – LIFTT’s mission is to empower aging and disabled individuals to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

From Institutions to Independence

Sometimes success looks like a number on a spreadsheet. More often, it looks like a door opening to a new home.

At LIFTT, we are proud to share that our Money Follows the Person (MFP) program is not just active; it is thriving. Thanks to the dedication, expertise, and persistence of Dineva Bower, individuals across our service area are transitioning from institutional settings into homes of their own.

This work is changing lives, one move at a time.

What Is Money Follows the Person (MFP)?

Money Follows the Person is a Medicaid-funded program designed to help people who are living in nursing facilities or other institutional settings return to the community. The program recognizes a simple but powerful truth: most people want to live in their own homes, not institutions, when the right supports are in place.

MFP helps make that possible by:

Supporting the transition from an institution to community living.
Assisting with housing search and move-in coordination.
Helping individuals access the services and supports they need to live independently.
Providing transition funding that follows the person, not the institution.

In plain terms, MFP helps people move home and stay there successfully.

What Success Looks Like at LIFTT

Through the work of LIFTT’s MFP team, individuals are moving into safe, stable housing and reclaiming control over their lives. Each transition represents not just a change of address, but a shift toward dignity, choice, and independence.

Behind every successful move is careful planning, advocacy, coordination, and trust. Dineva Bower, working closely with Pamela Ramirez and Holly Hanson, has been leading this effort with remarkable skill and commitment. Together, they turned a complex program into real outcomes for real people.

This progress also strengthens LIFTT’s ability to continue and expand services, ensuring that the program remains sustainable and responsive to community needs.

Who May Qualify for MFP?

You or someone you know may qualify for the Money Follows the Person program if they:

Are enrolled in Medicaid
Are currently living in a nursing facility or other qualifying institutional setting
Want to move back into the community
Can live safely in the community with appropriate supports

Every situation is different, and eligibility is determined individually. Asking questions is the first step.

Why MFP Matters

Living in the community is about more than housing. It is about choice, autonomy, and belonging. MFP allows individuals to:

Live closer to family and friends
Make everyday decisions about their own lives
Participate more fully in their communities
Rebuild independence after long periods of institutionalization

This is what independent living looks like in action.

Know Someone Who Might Benefit? Or Think You Might Qualify?

If you think you or someone you know may qualify for the Money Follows the Person program, we encourage you to reach out to Dineva Bower, LIFTT’s MFP Regional Transition Coordinator at (406) 831-0037 or dinevab@liftt.org. Referrals are welcome, and conversations are confidential.

Sometimes independence begins with a single conversation. At LIFTT, we are ready to have it.

About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides aging and disabled members of the community with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south-central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for your Apple device.

Our Vision: Empowering aging and disabled individuals to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.

Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow – LIFTT’s mission is to empower aging and disabled individuals to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Understanding Eligibility for Self Directed Personal Assistance Services

The Self-Directed Personal Assistance Services Program (SDPAS), also known as the Personal Care Assistant (PCA) program, is one of the most empowering services available through Montana Medicaid. It is designed to give individuals greater choice, control, and flexibility over the personal assistance they receive in their daily lives.

Through SDPAS, eligible individuals can hire, train, and manage their own personal care assistants, including trusted family members or friends. This approach recognizes that people know their own needs best and should have a meaningful say in who supports them and how that support is provided.

What Is the Self-Directed Personal Assistance Services Program?

The Self-Directed Personal Assistance Services Program is sponsored by Montana Medicaid and intended for individuals who need assistance with activities of daily living due to a disability, chronic condition, or functional limitation. These activities may include personal care, mobility support, meal preparation, or other tasks necessary for independent living.

Unlike traditional agency-based care, SDPAS allows participants to:

Choose who provides their care
Set schedules that work for their lives
Direct how services are delivered

Basic Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible for the Self-Directed Personal Assistance Services Program in Montana, an individual must generally meet the following criteria:

Be enrolled in Montana Medicaid: Participation in SDPAS requires active Montana Medicaid coverage. Some individuals may need to be enrolled in a specific Medicaid category, often referred to as Standard Medicaid.
Have a documented need for personal assistance services: Eligibility is based on functional needs. This means the individual must require assistance with daily activities due to disability, health condition, or limitation that affects independent living.
Complete a functional assessment: Montana Medicaid uses an assessment process to determine the type and level of assistance needed. This assessment helps establish whether SDPAS is appropriate and how many service hours may be authorized.
Be able to direct their own services or have a representative: Participants must be able to manage their services independently or designate a representative, such as a family member or trusted individual, to help make decisions and manage care on their behalf.

Who Can Be a Personal Care Assistant?

One of the most flexible aspects of SDPAS is the ability to choose your own personal care assistant. In many cases, this may include:

Family members
Friends
Trusted members of the community

Caregivers must meet program requirements and complete necessary training and paperwork, but the program recognizes that support often comes from people who already know and understand the individual’s needs.

Important Things to Know

SDPAS is a Medicaid program, so eligibility and approvals are determined by Montana Medicaid, not by LIFTT or other service providers.
Approval timelines can vary, and it may take time to complete applications and assessments.
Eligibility decisions are based on individual circumstances and documented need.

Even if someone is not immediately eligible, learning about the program can help individuals plan ahead and understand future options.

How LIFTT Can Help

Navigating Medicaid programs can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to do it alone. LIFTT provides information, guidance, and support to help individuals understand SDPAS eligibility, application steps, and alternative resources when needed. Our role is to empower people with knowledge, clarify options, and support informed decision-making. Whether someone is ready to apply or simply exploring possibilities, LIFTT is here to help.

If you have any questions about the SDPAS Program, or if you would like assistance with applying, please feel free to contact Kaara Sarabia, SDPAS (PCA) Program Assistant Manager, at (406) 831-0023 or kaaras@liiftt.org.

About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides aging and disabled members of the community with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south-central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for your Apple device.

Our Vision: Empowering aging and disabled individuals to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.

Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow – LIFTT’s mission is to empower aging and disabled individuals to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Change, Challenge and the Work of Becoming Stronger

Change is rarely announced in advance, and it almost never arrives neatly packaged. More often, it shows up as uncertainty, disruption, or a difficult question we did not expect to face. Over time, I have come to believe that change is not something to be feared or avoided. It is something to be engaged, examined, and, when possible, shaped with intention.

At LIFTT, change has been a constant companion.

Like many nonprofit organizations, we have faced moments when the future felt uncertain. There were periods when funding was unstable and difficult decisions had to be made. Questions about sustainability, staffing, and long-term viability were not theoretical. They were real, immediate, and deeply felt. In those moments, the challenge was not only financial. It was human. How do you keep a team together when the path forward is unclear? How do you preserve morale, trust, and purpose when certainty is in short supply?

What carried us through those times was a shared commitment to the mission and a willingness to adapt rather than retreat. Instead of allowing uncertainty to divide us, we chose to communicate openly, think creatively, and stay anchored in why LIFTT exists in the first place: to support independence, dignity, and opportunity for the people we serve.

Those challenges pushed us to rethink how we sustain our work. We began exploring alternative sources of income, including offering certain services for a fee when appropriate and aligned with our mission. This was not a departure from our values. It was an expansion of how we live them. By diversifying LIFTT’s revenue, we strengthened our ability to remain responsive, flexible, and resilient.

We also invested in building new programs that would both serve our community and strengthen organizational stability. Establishing our Vocational Rehabilitation services and participating in the Money Follows the Person program required persistence, learning, and coordination. These efforts did not happen overnight. They required navigating complex systems, developing expertise, and earning trust. Today, they stand as examples of how thoughtful growth can deepen impact while reinforcing sustainability.

At the same time, we committed ourselves to actively seeking new grants and private funding opportunities. This meant telling our story more clearly, building new partnerships, and articulating not only what we do, but why it matters. It meant being proactive rather than reactive, and strategic rather than tentative. Over time, those efforts have strengthened LIFTT’s foundation and expanded what is possible.

Each of these challenges shaped us. They sharpened our vision. They taught us that resilience is not about avoiding difficulty, but about responding to it with clarity, courage, and collaboration.

Looking ahead, I see an organization that is stronger precisely because it has been tested. I see a team that understands change not as a threat, but as an invitation to innovate. I see programs like RideWell emerging not in spite of past challenges, but because of the lessons we learned along the way.

The future will bring new questions and new uncertainties. That is inevitable. What gives me confidence is knowing how this organization responds when the path is not obvious. We respond by listening, adapting, and moving forward together.

Thank you to our staff, partners, supporters, and the individuals we serve for being part of this ongoing journey. The work of independence, inclusion, and community is never finished, but it is work worth doing. Together, we will continue to meet change with intention and build a future grounded in possibility.

Carlos A. Ramalho, Executive Director of Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT)

(406) 294-5190, carlosr@liftt.org

About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides aging and disabled members of the community with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south-central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for your Apple device.

Our Vision: Empowering aging and disabled individuals to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.

Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow – LIFTT’s mission is to empower aging and disabled individuals to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

RideWell is Almost Here

For many people, transportation will seem like a simple, everyday convenience. For individuals with disabilities, older adults, and people living on limited incomes, especially in rural Eastern Montana, transportation will determine whether independence is possible or whether isolation becomes unavoidable.

At Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT), this reality will be visible every day. When transportation is unavailable, medical appointments will be missed, preventive care will be delayed, employment opportunities will disappear, and people will become isolated in their own homes. Over time, the lack of mobility will directly affect health, safety, and overall quality of life.

That is why LIFTT is pleased to share that we will soon be launching RideWell, a new ADA accessible rural transportation program designed to serve communities across Eastern Montana.

Why RideWell Will Matter

LIFTT is a nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving aging adults and people with disabilities across 18 counties in Southeastern and South Central Montana. In many of these rural areas, public transportation does not exist. Distances between communities are vast, and a single medical appointment can require a round trip of more than 250 miles.

For individuals who use wheelchairs, cannot drive, or live on fixed incomes, those distances are not simply inconvenient. They are barriers that prevent access to essential care and services.

RideWell will be developed in direct response to these challenges. The program will be designed to ensure that people can reach essential medical care, maintain independence, and remain active members of their communities.

What RideWell Will Do

Based in Glendive, Montana, RideWell will provide safe, reliable, and affordable ADA accessible transportation across 11 Eastern Montana counties. Riders will be transported to essential medical appointments and services in communities such as Sidney, Miles City, and Billings, destinations that will be critical for specialty care and ongoing treatment.

RideWell will not simply provide rides. It will support access to health care, strengthen independent living, and reduce the isolation many rural residents face.

Progress Toward Launch

LIFTT will soon reach several important milestones that will bring RideWell closer to operation:

LIFTT has received funding from the Montana Department of Transportation to purchase two ADA-accessible vehicles, including wheelchair-accessible vans.
LIFTT has secured two plots of land in Glendive for the construction of a transportation facility and a vehicle maintenance shop.
Program coordination, planning, and community partnerships will continue to be developed to ensure RideWell launches as a safe, sustainable, and dependable service.

The individuals RideWell will serve will not be strangers. They will be neighbors, family members, coworkers, and long-time residents who contribute to the social and economic life of our communities.

Transportation will be more than a ride. It will be access to care. It will be freedom of choice. It will be independence.

As RideWell moves closer to launch, LIFTT will look forward to working alongside community partners, supporters, and residents to make accessible rural transportation a lasting reality in Eastern Montana.

RideWell at a Glance

Program Name:
RideWell Rural Transportation Program

Operated by:
LIFTT (Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow)

Service Area:
Eleven counties in Eastern Montana, with medical destinations including Sidney, Miles City, and Billings

Who RideWell Will Serve:

Individuals with disabilities
Older adults
Low-income residents with limited transportation options

What RideWell Will Provide:

ADA accessible transportation
Safe and reliable vehicles with wheelchair access
Essential trips to medical care and services

Current Status:

Vehicles funded and scheduled for delivery
Plots of land secured in Glendive
Facility planning underway
Program launch approaching

Help Build the Road Ahead

RideWell will soon become a reality, and community support will be essential to ensure its long-term success. You can be part of this effort by:

Partnering with LIFTT to support accessible rural transportation
Contributing toward the construction of the RideWell transportation facility
Sharing information about RideWell to raise awareness of transportation needs in rural Montana

Together, we will help ensure that people across Eastern Montana can access the transportation they need to live independently, stay healthy, and remain connected to their communities. To learn more or get involved in RideWell, please contact our Transportation Coordinator, Tina Carter, at (406) 948-1503 or tinac@liftt.org

About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides aging and disabled members of the community with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south-central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for your Apple device.

Our Vision: Empowering aging and disabled individuals to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.

Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow – LIFTT’s mission is to empower aging and disabled individuals to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Empowerment Begins with Information

At Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT), success is not measured only by the services someone receives. It is also measured by the knowledge gained, the options clarified, and the confidence restored. Sometimes, empowerment begins with a conversation.

In January 2026, Myra, a 76-year-old woman living in Billings, reached out to LIFTT as she prepared for an upcoming arm surgery. Like many individuals facing a temporary or sudden change in physical ability, she was thinking ahead and exploring how she might receive support during her recovery. In particular, she wanted to understand whether LIFTT’s Self-Directed Personal Assistance Services (SDPAS) program could allow family members to be compensated for helping care for her after surgery.

From her very first contact with LIFTT, Myra was met with clear information, respect, and transparency. LIFTT staff explained how the SDPAS program works, including eligibility requirements, and helped her understand that participation requires enrollment in Standard Montana Medicaid. When it became clear that Myra was not currently enrolled in Standard Medicaid, staff did not simply end the conversation. Instead, they explored next steps with her, shared additional caregiving resources in the community, and offered assistance with the Medicaid application process should she choose to move forward.

Just days before her surgery, Myra connected with an Independent Living Specialist to begin discussing longer-term options. After surgery, as she recovered and assessed her needs, she ultimately decided that pursuing Medicaid enrollment and formal caregiving services might not be necessary for her situation. Importantly, this decision was informed, thoughtful, and made on her own terms.

That is what independence looks like.

Even though Myra did not ultimately enroll in services, her experience reflects what LIFTT strives to provide every individual who contacts us: access to information, honest guidance, and respect for personal choice. She walked away with a clearer understanding of her options, greater confidence in navigating complex systems, and the reassurance that support is available if and when she needs it.

Stories like Myra’s also help LIFTT identify broader challenges that affect many people across Montana, including delays in Medicaid processing, gaps in post-surgical support options, and the need for systems that respond more quickly when individuals require short-term assistance. These insights strengthen our advocacy efforts and inform our vision for the future.

LIFTT exists to ensure people can make informed decisions about their lives, care, and independence. We serve individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and identities. LIFTT does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, or economic status. Everyone deserves access to information, opportunity, and the tools needed to live independently.

Whether someone receives services for years, for a season, or simply for a conversation, LIFTT is here. Empowerment begins with being heard, and every journey toward independence starts somewhere.

If you or someone you know has questions about independent living, caregiving options, or community resources, LIFTT is ready to help.

For More Information

If you would like to learn more about LIFTT’s programs and services, please contact one of our offices:

Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT)

Billings Office
1241 Crawford Drive
Billings, MT 59102
Phone: (406) 259 5181

Glendive Office
119 South Kendrick
Glendive, MT 59330
Phone: (406) 948 8500

You may also visit us online at http://www.liftt.org

About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides aging and disabled members of the community with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south-central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for your Apple device.

Our Vision: Empowering aging and disabled individuals to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.

Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow – LIFTT’s mission is to empower aging and disabled individuals to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Why what we do at LIFTT Matters

Editor’s Note: LIFTT IL Program Manager Pamela Ramirez offers these thoughts about the importance of the programs and services that LIFTT offers the disability community throughout our 18-county service area.

At LIFTT, our work is grounded in a clear and unwavering conviction: people with disabilities have the right to live full, independent, and self-directed lives. This belief is not abstract. It shapes every conversation we have, every service we provide, and every decision we make. Respect, choice, and dignity are not ideals we reference; they are principles we practice.

What distinguishes LIFTT is not only the resources we offer but the way we stand beside individuals as they navigate complex systems, pivotal life transitions, and deeply personal challenges. Whether someone is learning about their rights, exploring housing options, strengthening independent living skills, or simply seeking a place where they are heard and believed, LIFTT serves as a trusted partner. We meet people where they are, recognize the authority of their lived experience, and support goals defined by the individual, not imposed by systems.

Our work extends far beyond our offices. LIFTT reaches individuals across both urban and rural communities, where access to information and support can be limited, and barriers are often magnified by distance and isolation. For many, LIFTT is the first place they encounter genuine understanding, informed guidance, and a belief in their capacity to shape their own future. That moment matters. It is often where confidence begins to take root.

Progress does not look the same for everyone. For one person, it may mean securing stable housing. For another, it may mean learning to advocate for themselves or regaining a sense of control after a life-altering event. Each step forward, whether large or small, represents increased independence, strengthened self-determination, and renewed hope.

What we do at LIFTT matters because independence is not a single outcome or a fixed destination. It is personal. It evolves. It is built over time through trust, access, and opportunity. When individuals are supported to live life on their own terms, the impact reaches far beyond the individual. Families are strengthened. Communities become more inclusive. Systems begin to change.

As we look toward the future, LIFTT remains committed to expanding access, deepening partnerships, and responding creatively to emerging needs. Our vision is one where independence is not the exception, but the expectation, and where every person has the tools, information, and support needed to thrive.

This work matters because people matter. And when independence is possible, everything else becomes possible too.

If there is anything I can do to support you, answer questions, or help you explore options for independent living, please do not hesitate to reach out to me, Pamela Ramirez, LIFTT IL program manager at (406) 294-5189 or pamelar@liftt.org. I would welcome the opportunity to connect.

About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides aging and disabled members of the community with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south-central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for your Apple device.

Our Vision: Empowering aging and disabled individuals to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.

Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow – LIFTT’s mission is to empower aging and disabled individuals to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.