Blog - LIFTT

LIFTT ARTP plans first route

The first planned route of the LIFTT ADA Acessible Rural Transportation Program will run from Glendive to the regional OPA office in Miles City a distance of some 75 miles.

The first planned route of the LIFTT ADA Accessible Rural Transportation Program will run from Glendive to the regional OPA office in Miles City a distance of some 75 miles.

Connecting Communities

At LIFTT, our mission is to empower individuals to live independently by breaking down barriers, and transportation is one of the most significant challenges faced by people with disabilities in rural Montana. We’re thrilled to share the exciting progress on LIFTT’s ADA Accessible Rural Transportation Program. While still in the planning stages, the advisory committee has chosen the first route for this transformative initiative.

Why This Route Matters

The advisory committee carefully considered the needs of the communities we serve and decided that the first route would connect Glendive, MT, and Miles City, MT. This route is a strategic choice, designed to link LIFTT’s Glendive office with the Office of Public Assistance in Miles City — a critical destination for many individuals seeking essential services and support.

For individuals in these rural areas, reliable transportation isn’t just a convenience — it’s a necessity. This route will help bridge the gap, providing a direct and accessible connection that empowers individuals to access vital resources, maintain independence, and engage with their communities.

Planning for Accessibility

When we receive the vehicles for this program, the route will be operated once or twice weekly. The vehicles will be ADA-compliant, ensuring that individuals with disabilities can access safe, comfortable, and inclusive transportation. Features such as wheelchair lifts and accessible seating will make this service a lifeline for those who need it most.

The Road Ahead

While the launch date for this route remains uncertain, this decision marks a significant step forward in addressing the transportation challenges rural communities face. The route between Glendive and Miles City is just the beginning. Once the program is operational, we hope to expand it to connect more communities, creating a network of accessible transportation options across Southeastern Montana.

Community Involvement

We understand that this program’s success depends on community collaboration. Your input, feedback, and support are invaluable as we work toward bringing this vision to life. Together, we can refine the service, ensure it meets the needs of our communities, and advocate for the resources needed to make it a reality.

A Vision for the Future

Transportation is a cornerstone of independent living, and this program reflects LIFTT’s commitment to fostering accessibility, opportunity, and inclusion for everyone. Though the timeline is uncertain, the vision is clear: to create a more connected and equitable Montana where no one is left behind.

Stay Connected

As we progress with this initiative, we will provide updates on the progress, including vehicle acquisition, route scheduling, and program launch details. If you’d like to learn more or get involved, please contact us at www.liftt.org or (406) 259-5181. Together, we’re not just planning a route — but building bridges, breaking barriers, and connecting communities. Stay tuned as we work to bring this vision to life!

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 people with disabilities 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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Pam Ramirez: Returning Home to Empower Lives at LIFTT

New IL Program Manager Pam Ramirez is glad to be back in the Big Sky.

In this exclusive interview, Pam Ramirez shares her journey from Glendive, Montana, to Arizona, and back again. As the newly appointed Independent Living Program Manager at Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT) Pam reflects on her roots, her passion for helping others, and her excitement about making a difference in her home state.

Q: Pam, tell us about your roots and connection to Montana.
Pam: I was born and raised in Glendive, Montana, where I spent the best years of my life surrounded by family, friends, school, and work. Those years hold so many cherished memories for me, and Montana has always been home in my heart, no matter where life has taken me.

Q: What brought you to Arizona, and what inspired your return to Montana
Pam: After marrying my husband, we moved to Arizona, where I lived for many wonderful years. Life was good, and we were happy, but over time, I became homesick. I missed Montana’s people and beauty — the fresh air, the vast landscapes, and the mountains that always felt like home. I knew I wanted to return to where I belonged.

Q: How did your journey lead you to LIFTT?
Pam: My best friend, Jen Hawkinson, who is the Regional Manager at LIFTT, told me about an opportunity at the organization. Thanks to her encouragement, I was offered the position of Independent Living Manager in Billings, Montana. Joining LIFTT felt like coming home in more ways than one — not only to Montana but also to a purpose-driven role with the most amazing nonprofit organization in the state.

Q: What has your transition back to Montana and into this role been like?
Pam: My first day at LIFTT was in December, and although I’m currently working remotely until I find a permanent home in Billings, I come up every month for a full week. It’s been a smooth transition, and I’m grateful for the warm welcome I’ve received from the team.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your work at LIFTT?
Pam: The greatest joy in this role is seeing the positive impact we can make. I love the challenge of putting a smile on someone’s face, giving hope and strength to those who feel weary, and helping them realize their own potential. Sharing information, pointing people in the right direction, and guiding them toward self-determination, self-help, and self-advocacy is incredibly rewarding.

Q: What drives your passion for independent living services? Pam: There’s something deeply transformative about witnessing someone realize that solutions exist for every problem and that no one should be excluded or ignored in our society. We are a nation built on the principles of equal opportunity and access, and I’m committed to upholding those values for LIFTT’s consumers. I also want to ensure our team of Independent Living Specialists has the tools they need to empower individuals throughout our service area.

Q: What message do you have for the community as we start a new year?
Pam: I am so excited to be part of the LIFTT team and to work with an organization that’s truly making a difference. To our consumers, supporters, and partners, I want to say, “Happy New Year!” Let’s make 2025 a year of growth, empowerment, and progress. Together, we can continue transforming lives and building a more inclusive future.

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 people with disabilities 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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

New DPP Class Starts February 11

Are you ready to feel your best and take control of your health? Join us for a FREE, interactive Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) to help you prevent diabetes and thrive through simple nutrition tips, fun physical activity ideas, and sustainable lifestyle changes.

When: Tuesdays at 5 PM starting February 11

Where: Billings LIFTT Office, 1241 Crawford Dr.

What: Guided by experienced Lifestyle Coaches, this welcoming DPP class follows the Prevent T2 for All curriculum and empowers you with practical tools to improve your health. As the program progresses, classes are spaced out to fit your lifestyle and keep you on track.

Why?

Learn how to eat balanced meals without sacrificing flavor.
Discover easy, enjoyable ways to stay active.
Gain support from coaches and peers every step of the way.

Secure Your Spot Today! For more information and to ensure you’re eligible for this life-changing program, please contact LIFTT Nuturtuional Health Coach Anya Pulis at (406) 606-1766 or anyap@liftt.org.

Take the first step toward a healthier you—we can’t wait to meet you!

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 people with disabilities 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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

LIFTT and Northern Cheyenne Build Partnership

“Partnership isn’t about what you bring; it’s about what we build together.”

Northern Cheyenne Elder at Meeting with LIFTT

In the vast, snow-draped landscapes of southeastern Montana, the heartbeat of collaboration and diversity echoed brightly on January 8, 2025. The LIFTT outreach and community engagement team embarked on a transformative journey to the Northern Cheyenne Nation, carrying with them a vision of shared growth and empowerment. This wasn’t merely a meeting; it was a moment where worlds intersected, stories intertwined, and futures were imagined together.

At the center of this story are two remarkable Northern Cheyenne tribal members, Terri Bixby and Barry Bement. Both embody the strength of their heritage and the dynamic contributions that enrich LIFTT’s mission. They are more than employees—they are bridges, connecting the values of their community to the purpose of independent living. Their presence at LIFTT serves as a reminder of the strength found in diversity, a strength that fuels innovation and unity.

The meeting with the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council began with an introduction steeped in tradition and mutual respect. Barry Bement, with his characteristic warmth and confidence, welcomed the LIFTT team to the council, setting the stage for an engaging dialogue. Jen Hawkinson, a regional manager and passionate advocate for independent living, stepped forward to share the breadth of LIFTT’s core services. She spoke not just of programs but of possibilities—the Diabetes Prevention Program, the ADA Accessible Rural Transportation Program, and the many pathways to empowerment that LIFTT offers.

Terri Bixby then took the floor, her voice carrying the weight of lived experience and the hope of shared purpose. She shared her journey at LIFTT, painting a vivid picture of what it means to witness transformation daily. Her words resonated deeply, weaving together her pride in her heritage and her belief in the power of independence. Her testimony was not just a recounting of events; it was an invitation to the council to envision what could be achieved together.

Then, LIFTT’s Executive Director Carlos Ramalho stood before the council with a vision that stretched beyond programs and services. He spoke of partnership—not as a transaction but as a mutual journey. “LIFTT is eager to walk alongside the Cheyenne Nation,” he said, “to embrace the transformation represented by the opportunities we can create together.” His words were an acknowledgment of the strength within the Cheyenne Nation and an appeal to join forces for a future where barriers dissolve and potential is realized.

The team reflected on the day’s events and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council for their warm welcome and openness to collaboration. Special thanks were extended to President Gene Little and Vice-President Ernest Little Mouth, and the other elected tribal leaders for their leadership and commitment to their community. Their guidance and vision played a pivotal role in fostering this promising partnership.

This visit was more than a meeting. It was a spark—a moment of connection where the values of the Northern Cheyenne Nation met the mission of LIFTT. As the team departed that day, there was a shared sense of hope, an understanding that this partnership held the promise of something extraordinary.

In the words of a Northern Cheyenne elder who attended the meeting, “Partnership isn’t about what you bring; it’s about what we build together.” And so, as January’s frost gives way to spring’s renewal, LIFTT and the Northern Cheyenne Nation stand poised to build something remarkable—together.

LIFTT team members recently had the honor of meeting with the Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council in Lame Deer. Front from left: Wyatt Bixby, Pam Ramirez, Jennifer Hawkinson. Back from left: Terri Bixby, Carlos Ramahlo, Barry Bement

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 people with disabilities 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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Optimize your Brain Health this Winter!

New Year, New Mindset!

As we step into 2025, the promise of new beginnings resonates deeply at Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow (LIFTT). With the challenges of the past years, we are more committed than ever to equipping our community with tools that promote independence, well-being, and a future filled with potential. This January, we’re excited to highlight one of our most transformative offerings: the Optimize Your Brain Health Class.

Why should brain health matter to you? Because your brain is not just an organ; it’s your life’s command center. At LIFTT, we believe in empowering individuals to make lifestyle changes that enable the brain to heal, grow, and thrive. This belief is the foundation of our eight-week Optimize Your Brain Health Class. LIFTT will offer two sessions of this eight-week class this winter, One on Mondays at 10 a.m. beginning January 13 and another on Wednesdays at 3 p.m. beginning January 15. Both sessions will be held in the community of LIFTT’s Billings office at 1241 Crawford Drive.

During these sessions, you’ll dive into actionable strategies for a healthier mind. Weekly discussions will cover essential habits such as exercise, nutrition, sleep, and stress management, all designed to unlock your brain’s incredible potential for resilience and growth.

But that’s not all. For those looking to sustain their journey, LIFTT offers Monthly Discussions where participants can engage in reading groups, share insights from books and articles, and foster an ongoing support system. This collaborative environment makes forming and maintaining brain-healthy habits not only possible but enjoyable.

The heart behind these classes is Eileen Rodriguez, one of LIFTT’s passionate Nutritional Health Coaches. Trained by Dr. Dale Bredesen as a ReCODE 2.0 Health Coach, Eileen brings expertise and compassion to every session. Her mission is simple yet profound: to help you prioritize and protect your brain’s health for years to come.

Whether taking your first steps toward a healthier lifestyle or deepening an existing journey, LIFTT is here to guide and support you. Let’s make 2025 the year of transformation, starting with our minds. For more information or to register for Optimize Your Brain Health, contact Eileen at (406) 294-5185 or eileenr@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 people with disabilities 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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

United We Serve Marks MLK Day

Join LIFTT, The United Way of Yellowstone County, MSU Billings, Eagle Mount, and other community-minded organizations and individuals for a commemorative ceremony and an exciting and inclusive volunteering event on January 20, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Monday, January 20, on the MSUB campus.

Led by MSUB’s Student United Way, United We Serve will offer a variety of volunteer opportunities in an accessible and welcoming environment, including making sandwiches for our neighbors in need alongside local aid heroes.

Whether you’re coming alone or bringing your organization or business team, this is a fantastic chance to spread kindness and honor the remarkable legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Collaborate with your fellow community members to positively impact our community in an inclusive setting.

Here’s the plan:

MSUB Bell-Ringing Ceremony at MSUB Peaks to Plains Park and Petro Theatre: 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
United We Serve service project in MSUB Student Union Glacier Room: 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Don’t miss the opportunity for fun and fulfillment!

Click here to go to the United Way website to register for United We Serve and to choose your volunteer activity. For more information or to register offline, contact Crissy Brese, Engagement Coordinator at the United Way of Yellowstone County at (406) 272-8511 or volcoord@uwyellowstone.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 people with disabilities 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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

SAIL: Charting a course to Wellness

The Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) program is a structured fitness program designed to improve balance, strength and flexibility among seniors

The Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) program is a structured fitness program designed to improve balance, strength, and flexibility in seniors.

Staying active and maintaining independence are critical goals for older adults, particularly those aged 65 and above. The Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) program offers a dynamic and evidence-based approach to achieving these goals through a structured fitness regimen. This 12-week (or ongoing) program, designed to improve balance, strength, and flexibility, is paving the way for a healthier and more vibrant aging population.

What is SAIL?

SAIL is an innovative fitness program rooted in evidence-based practices to promote the physical health and independence of older adults. By focusing on key areas such as balance, strength, and flexibility, the program addresses the most common physical challenges associated with aging. These exercises are tailored to help participants reduce their risk of falls, improve mobility, and enhance overall quality of life.

The program is highly adaptable, making it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels. Whether participants are new to exercise or seasoned fitness enthusiasts, SAIL provides a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive.

Upcoming SAIL Leader Training

Eileen Rodriguez and Anya Pulis, LIFTT’s Nutritional Health Coach Coordinators, have committed to becoming certified SAIL leaders by attending a two-day training session on April 22–23 at Fairmont Hot Springs, in Montana. This training, funded by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS), equips leaders with the knowledge and tools to implement and guide the program effectively. Their dedication ensures that older adults in their community will have access to this transformative program.

LIFTT Prepares to SAIL

Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT) is proud to announce that we are preparing to launch the SAIL program and will soon offer these classes to older adults in our community. As an organization dedicated to empowering individuals to live independently, LIFTT’s adoption of the program aligns perfectly with our mission.

By offering SAIL, LIFTT will provide older adults with the tools and support they need to maintain their independence, improve their physical health, and build confidence in their daily lives. Stay tuned for updates on class schedules and locations as we finalize plans to bring SAIL to our community.

Support for New SAIL Sites

New sites implementing the SAIL program receive a comprehensive start-up kit, ensuring they are fully equipped to succeed. This kit includes:

Ankle Weights: Essential for resistance exercises to build strength.
Participant Booklets: Informative materials to guide participants through the program.
Fitness Check Equipment: Tools to monitor progress and ensure safety.
SAIL Marketing Materials: Resources to promote the program and encourage community participation.

The Benefits of SAIL

The benefits of participating in SAIL extend far beyond physical fitness. Participants often experience improved confidence, a sense of community, and enhanced mental well-being. By addressing critical areas of health and wellness, SAIL empowers older adults to maintain their independence and lead fulfilling lives.

Looking Ahead

As Rodriguez and Pulis complete their training, LIFTT is excited to bring the SAIL program to life within our community. This initiative represents a meaningful step toward fostering healthier, more active communities where older adults can thrive.

SAIL is more than just a fitness program; it is an anchor for older adults striving to stay active, independent, and engaged in their communities. With its evidence-based approach and comprehensive support, SAIL is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals.

LIFTT is thrilled to be preparing to offer SAIL classes that will empower and uplift our community. Together, we can support a future where staying active and independent is achievable for all. For more information about SAIL and how to get involved, please contact LIFTT’s Nutritional Health Coaches: Anya Pulis at (406) 606-1366, anyap@liftt.org or Eileen Rodriguez at (406) 294-5185, eileenr@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 people with disabilities 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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

2025: A New Year, A Renewed Commitment

The start of 2025 marks a time for LIFTT to renew its commitment to the disabled community of eastern and south central Montana

Dear Team Members, Consumers, Community Supporters, Strategic Partners, and Board Members,

As we welcome the dawn of 2025, I am filled with gratitude and hope for the journey ahead. At Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT), the start of a new year is not just a calendar milestone — it’s an opportunity to recommit to our mission, reaffirm our values, and redouble our efforts to empower individuals with disabilities to live fully and independently.

Over the past year, we have witnessed the power of community, collaboration, and innovation in transforming lives. Your unwavering support — whether as a consumer, employee, partner, or community member — has been the foundation of everything we have achieved. It is because of you that LIFTT continues to grow as a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change across southeastern Montana.

To our Board of Directors, thank you for your strategic guidance, steadfast leadership, and unwavering belief in LIFTT’s mission. Your insights and dedication have steered us through challenges and propelled us toward innovative solutions. As we chart the course for 2025, your vision and commitment will continue to shape our success, ensuring that we remain a transformative force in the lives of those we serve.

Looking ahead, we are inspired by the endless possibilities of what we can achieve together. Every day of 2025, LIFTT will remain steadfast in providing high-quality, person-centered independent living services. From advocacy and skills training to peer support and innovative programs, we are here to meet your needs, remove barriers, and create pathways to independence and inclusion.

This year, we are excited to further our work with our strategic partners, deepening collaborations that amplify our impact and extend our reach. Together, we will continue to challenge systems, cultivate accessibility, and champion equity for all. Our gratitude for these partnerships knows no bounds, as they exemplify the strength and unity needed to drive systemic change.

To our incredible team at LIFTT, I am endlessly proud of your dedication, compassion, and ingenuity. You are the heart and soul of our organization, and I look forward to seeing the incredible ways you will continue to lead, innovate, and inspire in the coming year.

To our consumers, know that you are not alone. Every service we provide, every decision we make, is grounded in our unwavering belief in your right to live independently and with dignity. Your resilience fuels our purpose, and we are honored to walk beside you on this journey.

To our community members and supporters, thank you for believing in our mission. Your contributions, whether through time, resources, or advocacy, make it possible for us to turn aspirations into action and dreams into reality.

As we embark on this new year, let us embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead with courage, creativity, and compassion. Together, we can create a future where independence is not just a possibility but a promise for everyone we serve.

Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, prosperous, and empowering 2025. LIFTT is here for you every day, striving to make a difference.

With gratitude and optimism,

Carlos A. Ramalho, Executive Director LIFTT – Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow

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 people with disabilities 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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Justin: From Setback to Success

Editor’s Note: LIFTT’s overall success is measured in large part by the success of consumers and peers in achieving their individual goals. When a consumer or peer successfully completes a goal, their IL specialist, PCA facilitator, or Peer Program Coordinator writes up a “success story.” It is our privilege and pleasure to share some of them with you from time to time

At LIFTT, we believe that everyone has the potential to accomplish great things, regardless of the challenges they face. Justin’s story is a testament to that belief — a journey of determination, resilience, and the incredible power of opportunities.

Justin first reached out to us with a dream: to start his own mobile welding business. He had already taken some initial steps but needed guidance on creating a business plan to bring his vision to life. Together, we connected him with community partners who provided resources and support, and we learned alongside him as he began shaping his dream.

At the time, Justin was working at a local hotel. However, with the birth of his child, he decided to put his welding business on hold to focus on his family and his hotel job. Slowly, he began to take on welding projects on the side, inching closer to his goal.

A Turning Point

Justin’s journey took an unexpected turn when he lost his job at the hotel. This could have been a devastating setback, but instead, it became a pivotal moment. Jen Hawkinson, his IL Specialist, referred Justin to Gate City Radiator, a local business in need of a skilled welder. She encouraged him to mention her name to the owner, Scott Mills, whom she knew well. Justin was promptly hired, and his talent and dedication quickly made an impression.

A Dream Within Reach

Scott Mills, the owner of Gate City Radiator, had been looking to retire but had yet to find the right person to take over the business — until Justin came along. Impressed by Justin’s work ethic and potential, Scott began discussing the possibility of selling the business to him. As of now, the two are in the process of exploring what this transition might look like, marking an exciting new chapter in Justin’s journey.

Empowered to Succeed

Justin’s story illustrates what can happen when dreams are met with support and opportunity. From navigating the challenges of starting a business to embracing new roles and responsibilities, Justin has shown that individuals with disabilities can thrive, contribute, and succeed when given the chance.

At LIFTT, we’re proud to have been part of Justin’s journey, and we’re inspired by his courage to pursue his goals. His story is a reminder that setbacks are often opportunities in disguise, and with perseverance and the right resources, anything is possible.

Moving Forward

As Justin takes the next steps toward owning Gate City Radiator, we’ll continue to support him however we can. His story isn’t just about individual success — it’s about the power of community, the importance of believing in oneself, and the incredible potential of people who are often underestimated.

To Justin, we say: Congratulations on everything you’ve achieved so far. We’re excited to see what’s next for you!

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 people with disabilities 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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

ARTP sets bold mission and vision

LIFTT's ADA Accessible Rural Transportation Program Advisory Committee has outlined a bold mission and vision for the program

LIFTT’s ADA Accessible Rural Transportation Program Advisory Committee has outlined the program’s bold mission and vision.

On December 17, 2024, history was made as LIFTT’s ADA Accessible Rural Transportation Program Advisory Committee unanimously approved transformative mission and vision statements that will guide the future of mobility and inclusion in rural Montana.

At its core, LIFTT’s ADA Accessible Rural Transportation Program (ARTP) is a bold initiative born out of necessity and compassion — a response to the transportation inequities that have long hindered access to essential services in South Central and Eastern Montana. This program isn’t just about wheels on the road; it’s about driving independence, bridging gaps, and opening doors. The mission and vision statements approved by the ARTP advisory committee reflect this.

Mission Statement:

To bridge the transportation gap in rural Montana, including Native American Reservations, by providing reliable, ADA-compliant transportation, enabling access to education, healthcare, employment, and community engagement by ensuring their right to mobility and inclusion.

Vision Statement:

To be a driving force in promoting independence and eliminating barriers for individuals with disabilities through equitable transportation in South-Central and Eastern Montana.

Transforming Transportation, Transforming Lives

These statements are more than words—they are promises to the communities we serve. They reflect a commitment to reimagining what accessible transportation can and should be.

Rural Montana, with its sweeping plains and remote communities, poses unique transportation challenges. For individuals with disabilities, these challenges can be isolating, creating barriers to vital resources and opportunities. LIFTT’s ADA Accessible Rural Transportation Program seeks to dismantle these barriers, ensuring that mobility is a right, not a privilege.

The program is being designed to provide reliable, ADA-compliant transportation options that are deeply attuned to the needs of the communities it serves. This includes extending services to the Crow and Northern Cheyenne Reservations, where transportation inequities have been particularly pronounced. By prioritizing accessibility, reliability, and inclusivity, the program embodies the Independent Living philosophy that drives LIFTT’s mission.

A Collaborative Journey

Creating these mission and vision statements was a collaborative effort shaped by voices from across our service area’s diverse communities. The Advisory Committee, a dedicated group of stakeholders, brought together expertise, lived experiences, and a shared passion for equity. Their unanimous vote signifies not just consensus but a collective resolve to move forward boldly.

Looking Ahead: A Roadmap to Inclusion

The approval of these statements marks a pivotal moment, but it is only the beginning. Innovation, partnership, and unwavering commitment will pave the road ahead. From establishing transportation routes to integrating advanced technology for scheduling and accessibility, LIFTT is determined to deliver on its promises.

This program isn’t just about transportation; it’s about connection. Connecting people to education, healthcare, employment, and the communities where they live, work, and thrive. It’s about creating a Montana where no one is left behind.

We need your support!

As we look to 2025 and beyond, LIFTT invites you to be part of this transformative journey. Whether you are a consumer, community member, or strategic partner, your support is essential in driving this vision forward. Together, we can redefine accessibility for rural Eastern and South-Central Montana and create a future where mobility and inclusion are realities for all. For updates and ways to get involved, visit www.liftt.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Let’s move forward together, one mile at a time.

To learn more about LIFTT’s ADA Accessible Rural Transportation Program, check out this edition of “Living Well in Montana, where Public Relations Specialst Jed Barton gets the details on the ARTP from Glendive regional manager Jennifer Hawkinson:

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 people with disabilities 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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.