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Volunteer or Partner with LIFTT!

Volunteer or Partner with LIFTT!

A group of people of multiple generations, races, and abilties linked arm-in-arm wearing blue t-shirts that say

The truth is that LIFTT can’t do it alone!

Join Us and Be Part of the Movement!

We believe in community-powered independence. Whether you can give a couple of hours a month, share your skills, or attend our events to offer support, your involvement matters. Volunteers help us stretch our resources, deepen our impact, and keep the spirit of independence alive in Montana.

Here are a few ways to get involved

  • Volunteer: Help with events, outreach, or office support
  • Partner: If you represent a business or community group, let’s collaborate.
  • Spread the Word: Share our story with friends, family, and neighbors.

Together, we can ensure that independence isn’t just a value we talk about—it’s a reality we build, side by side. To learn more or sign up to volunteer, please call or visit us at 1241 Crawford Drive, Billings, MT 59102 · (406) 259-5181, or 119 South Kendrick, Glendive, MT 59330 · (406) 948-8500, or online at liftt.org.

At LIFTT, survival isn’t just about keeping the lights on; it’s about shining brighter. With your help, we will.

 

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.

MFP: A New Path Home with LIFTT

MFP: A New Path Home with LIFTT

A new program at LIFTT, Money Follows the Person (MFP), creates a pathway for elders and individuals…

A new program at LIFTT, Money Follows the Person (MFP), creates a pathway for elders and individuals with disabilities to transition out of nursing homes and other institutions, receiving services and supports in their own homes and communities. (stock image)

Sometimes “home” isn’t where you are. Sometimes, it’s where you wish you could be. For many aging Montanans currently living in nursing homes, the desire to move into a more independent, community-based setting, like assisted living, is strong, but the barriers feel impossible.

That’s where Money Follows the Person (MFP) comes in. And now, thanks to a new partnership, LIFTT – Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow is bringing this program to Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone Counties.

What is Money Follows the Person?

MFP is a Medicaid program with a simple but powerful vision: help people transition from institutional care back into community living. For older adults who have spent at least 60 consecutive days in a nursing home, MFP offers both practical assistance and peace of mind during the move to a more independent setting.

This isn’t just a program about dollars. It’s about dignity. It’s about helping people say, “Yes, I can live where I want, with the services and supports I need.”

How does it work?

Participants receive support with essential moving costs, such as rent deposits, furnishings, or past-due utilities. Beyond logistics, MFP also provides assistive technology, peer support, and home modifications to ensure the transition is both safe and sustainable. For the first year in your new setting, case managers check in regularly, ensuring that independence never feels like isolation.

Why does this matter?

For too long, many Montanans have felt “stuck” in nursing homes and other institutions, even when their hearts and hopes pointed elsewhere. MFP changes that narrative. It recognizes that people are more than their care needs; they are neighbors, storytellers, and members of a community who thrive best when given the freedom to choose where they live.

Is MFP for me or my loved one? 

If you or a loved one is currently in a nursing home and wondering if assisted living could be the next chapter, LIFTT’s MFP Regional Transitional Coordinators are here to walk beside you. For more information, contact either Pamela Ramirez at (406) 294-5189, pamelar@liftt.org, or Dineva Bower at (406) 831-0037, dinevab@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 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.

Community Vaccine Clinic September 30

Community Vaccine Clinic September 30

LIFTT and RiverStone Health will sponsor a community vaccine clinic on Tuesday September 30, 2025 fr…


LIFTT and RiverStone Health will sponsor a community vaccine clinic on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 from 11:30 to 12:30 p.m. at LIFTT’s Billings office (1241 Crawford Drive)

Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT), in partnership with RiverStone Health, will hold a community vaccine clinic on Tuesday, September 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Billings LIFTT office (1241 Crawford Drive).

Vaccines scheduled to be available include Influenza, COVID, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (Tdap), Shingles, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, and Human papillomavirus (HPV). Medicare, Medicaid, and private Insurance cover all of these vaccinations. Patients wishing to use insurance must present their insurance card before immunization.

Doses of the Tdap, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, COVID, HPV, and Flu vaccines are available free of charge to those without healthcare coverage on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information about the September 30 Community Vaccine Clinic and LIFTT’s work on vaccine access, please contact LIFTT at (406) 259-5181 or visit liftt.org/contact.

 

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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

DECIDE Classes begin October 10

DECIDE Classes begin October 10

LIFTT invites those experiencing Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Heart Fa…

LIFTT invites individuals experiencing Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, Chronic Kidney Disease, and Heart Failure to join us for a FREE course called the DECIDE Self-Management Program. The classes will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Fridays, from October 10 to December 5, 2025 (no class on Friday, November 28). To make DECIDE available to our entire service area, the sessions will be Hybrid, with the in-person classes being held at the Billings LIFTT Office (1241 Crawford Drive) and live-streamed using Microsoft Teams.

Designed with funding from the National Institutes of Health, DECIDE is an evidence-based self-management support program designed to help participants tackle real-life barriers and improve their health outcomes. Topics covered by the DECIDE program include:

  • Nutrition & Meal Planning,
  • Physical Activity Strategies,
  • Managing Stress
  • Buliding Confidence
  • Communicating Effectively with Health Care Providers

DECIDE at LIFTT is made possible through a grant provided by the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services. For more information about DECIDE or to register for the session, which begins Friday, October 10, please contact LIFTT’s Nutritional Health Coach, 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 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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

LIFTT Board of Directors meets September 4

LIFTT Board of Directors meets September 4

The LIFTT Board of Directors will meet on Thursday June 5, 2025 at 4 p.m. in the board room of the Billings LIFTT office (1241 Crawford Drive)

The LIFTT Board of Directors will hold an ordinary meeting on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 4 p.m. The meeting will be held virtually using the Zoom platform.  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 September 4, 2025, 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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Register Today for Fall Health & Wellness Classes!

Join LIFTT for our Health & Wellness Classes this Fall!

Join us at LIFTT This Fall for a great lineup of  FREE Health and Wellness classes for all ages and all abilities

🧠 DECIDE
Every Other Friday | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
October 10 – January 30, 2026 | LIFTT’s Classroom
Format: In-person & Online
DECIDE is a 9-module, evidence-based self-management support program developed through NIH-funded research. It was originally designed for diabetes self-management, but now also supports individuals with high blood pressure, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure. The program helps participants tackle real-life barriers to improve chronic disease outcomes.

🌀 Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention
Tuesdays | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Aug. 26 – Dec. 9 | LIFTT’s Community Room
Format: In-person & Online
This low-impact martial art focuses on improving balance, flexibility, strength, and mobility, while reducing pain and risk of falling.

🚶 Walk With Ease
Wednesdays | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
Aug. 27 – Oct. 1 | LIFTT’s Community Room
Created by the Arthritis Foundation, this program combines walking with health education, strengthening, and stretching exercises. Participants receive a guidebook and a structured plan to help them move toward better health safely.

💪 Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL)
Tuesdays & Thursdays | 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Sept. 2 – Nov. 20 | LIFTT’s Community Room
Format: In-person & Online
SAIL is an evidence-based falls prevention program focused on strength, balance, and flexibility. The class can be done seated or standing and is ideal for older adults.

🧠 Brain Health
Mondays | 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sept. 8 – Nov. 3 | Location TBD (possibly the Community Center)
A class designed to promote cognitive wellness through activities and education to support memory, focus, and mental health.

🌿 Weight Loss and Wellness (formerly The Diabetes Prevention Program)
Wednesdays | 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Aug. 27 – Nov. 17 | LIFTT’s Classroom
Format: In-person & Online
If you are overweight or at risk for type 2 diabetes, LIFTT’s free Weight Loss and Wellness class can help you take control of your health. In our weekly classes, you’ll learn simple ways to move more, eat better, and lose weight at a comfortable pace. You’ll be supported by a trained Lifestyle Coach and a small group of peers who are working toward the same goals- so you’re never in it alone.”

 

All Classes will be held at LIFTT’s Billings office at 1241 Crawford Drive, but will be avalaible to access live online from anywhere in LIFTT’s service area. For more information or to register for LIFTT’s FREE Health and Wellness Classes, contact LIFTT’s nutritional health coaches, Anya Pulis (406) 606-1766, anyap@liftt.org, or Eileen Rodrigiuz, (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 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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Celebrate 35 years of the ADA LIFTT Style on July 26!

Celebrate 35 years of the ADA LIFTT Style on July 26!

Join LIFTT on Saturday, July 26, for a fun-filled, educational, and inclusive celebration of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 35th anniversary!

Mark your calendars and get ready to party with purpose — LIFTT is thrilled to announce our upcoming celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)! It’s more than an event — it’s a milestone in the movement for equity, independence, and inclusion for people with disabilities nationwide.

On Saturday, July 262025, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at LIFTT’s Billings office, 1241 Crawford Drive, we’ll gather as a community to honor the legacy of the ADA, spotlight our local heroes, and remind the world that accessibility is a right, not a privilege.

What’s in Store?

You won’t want to miss this! We’ve got an amazing lineup that’s shaping up to be the highlight of the summer:

  • 20+ organizations confirmed — a true collaboration of advocates, allies, and changemakers.
  • 7 guest speakers, each with powerful stories and visionary insight.
  • Living Well in Community Graduation- Celebrate our exceptional LWC students as they complete the 11-week program 
  • 5 LIFTT speakers — including Jed Barton, Jen Hawkinson, Tonette Jensen, Darren Able, and Carlos Ramalho — are ready to ignite the crowd with energy and purpose.
  • Raffles, sweet treats, and surprises galore, including a special basket designed by Theresa Sand and funded in part by Scheels.
  • Cake AND cupcakes — because celebrations should be delicious.

Chill, Sip & Celebrate

Thanks to a generous donation from Mazevo, we’ll be serving up iced coffee to keep you cool and energized, along with our cozy hot coffee and tea station for those who like their caffeine the classic way. Expect a few flavored creamers, too — we believe coffee should be fun.

Community, Connection & Commemorative Shirts

Our volunteers and peer supporters are the heart of this event, and they’ll be honored with free event shirts — a small token of our massive appreciation. Want one? You’ll have to come and see how you can be part of the celebration next year!

More Than a Party

This isn’t just a day of speeches and sugar — it’s a hands-on, inclusive experience. The Western Heritage Center will be providing an exhibit flyer as part of the celebration. And yes, LIFTT tents, chairs, tables, and the crew from Billings to Glendive will be making this event a full-scale community effort.

Staff are rolling up their sleeves, setting up early, and making sure every detail is just right. Because this isn’t just an event — it’s our legacy.

Stay in the Loop and Thanks to our Team! 

We’re updating our flyer and inviting everyone to like and share the event on Facebook. If you haven’t RSVP’d yet — this is your sign! Come for the connection, stay for the celebration, and leave with the inspiration to keep pushing forward.

A massive shoutout to the amazing folks making it all happen: Anya Pulis, Holly Hanson, Jed Barton, Tanya Thomas, Rachial Combs, Danial Grubaugh, Mike Nelson, Lauren Hunley, and so many others working together to ensure this ADA celebration reflects the spirit of Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow.

Join us, Celebrate with us, Reflect and reimagine with us

Whether you’re a long-time advocate, a curious community member, or someone just learning about the ADA, there’s a place for you here.

Don’t miss our LIFTT’s ADA Celebration on Saturday, July 26, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at 1241 Crawford Drive in Billings. Let’s celebrate 35 years of progress — and keep the momentum going for the next 35!

 

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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Priortizing Brain Health with Kyla Rock

Priortizing Brain Health with Kyla Rock

 

Kyla Rock, the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Program Manager for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services’ Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Bureau, presented at LIFTT on June 20. Rock’ encouraged her audience to make “small, sustainable changes that can have a big impact on their cognitive well-being.”

On June 20, LIFTT was pleased to welcome Kyla Rock, the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Program Manager for the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services’ Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Bureau, for a special presentation on Brain Health. Kyla led an engaging and informative session, encouraging participants to consider making small, sustainable changes that can have a big impact on cognitive well-being.

One of the key topics Kyla discussed was the importance of healthy sleep habits. She shared practical tips such as turning off screens and putting away phones at least an hour before bedtime. Participants also learned how simple adjustments to room temperature and lighting can significantly improve sleep quality. While pets can bring joy and companionship, Kyla reminded attendees that it’s important they don’t interfere with a good night’s rest.

Lifestyle choices, like smoking, were another focus. Kyla explained the direct link between tobacco use and increased risk of cognitive decline. She highlighted Montana’s Tobacco Free initiative as a valuable support resource for those looking to quit smoking and improve their overall brain health.

Mental and emotional well-being were also part of the conversation. Kyla emphasized the importance of social engagement and community involvement, whether through volunteering, attending faith-based gatherings, or simply staying socially active. Physical activity — even low-impact exercises like Tai Chi — was promoted as a powerful way to reduce stress and support brain health.

The group shared ideas for fun, heart-pumping activities that also encourage social interaction, both of which are essential for keeping the brain sharp. The discussion naturally transitioned to nutrition, where participants shared tips such as hard-boiling eggs and eating them with olive oil for a quick, healthy breakfast, as well as finding creative ways to add more fruits and vegetables into their daily meals.

Kyla closed by urging anyone concerned about memory loss or dementia — whether for themselves or a loved one — to reach out to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24-hour hotline at 800-272-3900 for support, information, and guidance. Attendees were also encouraged to enroll in LIFTT’s 8-week Brain Health Class, which explores these topics in more depth and fosters ongoing dialogue around brain-healthy habits.

For information about the Brain Health Class or to sign up, please call LIFTT Nutritional Health Coach Eileen Rodriguez at (406) 294-5185 or email her at 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 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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Wheels in Motion for ADA Accessible Rural Transportation Program

Wheels in Motion for ADA Accessible Rural Transportation Program

The LIFTT ADA Accessible  Rural Transportation is moving forward towards a early 2026 launch!

Carrying Forward a Vision of Mobility and Inclusion

Since its inception, LIFTT’s ADA Accessible Rural Transportation Program has been more than just a plan — it has been a promise: a promise to create pathways, not just roadways; to connect, not just commute.

This promise took root thanks to the generous support and guidance of the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC). Through their planning grant and ongoing technical assistance, NADTC helped LIFTT plant the seeds of a vision long shared by our communities: that aging and disabled individuals in rural Montana deserve safe, dignified, and dependable transportation, and deserve to be included at every turn of the journey. All the members of the Advisory Committee worked very hard, led by Garrett Mills, our tireless Board Chair.

Now, after nearly a year of tireless collaboration, public input, and policy development, we are proud to say: we are almost ready to launch. The planning phase is nearing completion, and we are on track to receive two ADA-compliant vehicles from the Montana Department of Transportation before the end of 2025 — an exciting step forward for our region and the individuals we serve.

From the outset, our work has been guided by a clear vision:

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

And our mission has anchored us each step of the way:

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 the right to mobility and inclusion for aging and disabled individuals.

This program’s design is rooted in the voices of those it serves. Through focus groups held across our service area — including tribal communities, individuals with lived experience, and allied professionals — we’ve heard loud and clear what matters most: accessibility, dignity, safety, and belonging. Our policies and practices are being shaped by these insights and refined through the dedication of a multidisciplinary advisory committee that has met monthly to ensure we remain accountable, inclusive, and strategic.

As we enter the next phase, our gratitude to NADTC only deepens. They believed in LIFTT’s capacity to lead a transformation in rural mobility, and their belief helped unlock the momentum we now carry forward.

So stay tuned. Wheels will soon turn. Lives will shift. And our shared landscape of opportunity will stretch just a little further, toward a future where transportation is not a privilege, but a right.

Together, we’re moving forward.

 

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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

LIFTT Awarded DECIDE Grant

LIFTT Awarded DECIDE Grant

LIFTT is excited to announce that LIFTT has been awarded a grant from the State of Montana to implement the DECIDE (Diabetes Education and Empowerment) Self-Management Program — a nationally recognized initiative to help individuals better understand and manage diabetes. Through this partnership with the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services, LIFTT is expanding its health support services to reach more people living with prediabetes, type 1, or type 2 diabetes across southeastern Montana.

What is the DECIDE Program?

DECIDE is designed to help adults take charge of their health through small group sessions focused on:

  • Understanding diabetes and its impact
  • Nutrition and meal planning
  • Physical activity strategies
  • Managing stress and building confidence
  • Communicating effectively with health care providers

The program is structured, evidence-based, and emphasizes real-life skills that make a difference in day-to-day living with diabetes. Participants complete surveys and assessments before and after the sessions to help measure progress and outcomes.

Why This Matters

Montana’s rural and frontier communities face unique health care challenges. Many of our consumers don’t have easy access to long-term diabetes education programs. Some face transportation barriers, while others may not have access to a registered dietitian or diabetes educator in their area. The DECIDE program helps fill that gap by offering support where it’s most needed — locally, accessibly, and compassionately.

At LIFTT, we already provide Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) classes and help with Medicaid, Social Security, and home modification grant applications. Now, thanks to this new grant, we can reach even more people, especially those who can’t participate in the full-year DPP model.

Who Will Lead the Program?

The DECIDE Program will be facilitated by our Nutritional Health Coaches: Anya Pulis, B.S. in Kinesiology, and Eileen Rodriguez, National Board Certified Health & Wellness Coach (NBC-HWC). Both Anya and Eileen have experience running wellness classes like Tai Chi, SAIL (Staying Active and Independent for Life), and strength training. They are passionate about helping our community live healthier, more independent lives.

Serving Those Most at Risk

LIFTT proudly serves a wide range of people who are statistically at higher risk for diabetes, including:

  • Older adults
  • Veterans
  • Medicaid recipients
  • People with disabilities
  • American Indian communities
  • Residents of rural and low-income areas

The DECIDE program will help ensure these populations don’t fall through the cracks.

What Comes Next?

Our team is currently undergoing training and certification through DECIDE, and we’ll be launching our first DECIDE sessions later this year. If you or someone you know is living with diabetes and could benefit from this program, please contact LIFTT’s Nutritional Health Coaches, Anya Pulis at (406) 606-1766, anyap@liftt.org, and Eileen Rodrigiuz at (406) 294-5185, elieenr@liftt.org

We’re proud to be part of this statewide effort to reduce the burden of diabetes and improve health outcomes for Montanans. Stay tuned for updates, and thank you for supporting our mission to help people live independently today and 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 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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.