News

LIFTT Awarded  AgWest Farm Credit Rural Community Grant

LIFTT Awarded AgWest Farm Credit Rural Community Grant

AgWest Farm Credit recently awarded LIFTT $2500 as part of its Rural Community Grant Program.

Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT), a nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving South Central and Southeastern Montana, is pleased to announce it has been awarded $2,500 through AgWest Farm Credit’s Rural Community Grant Program. The funds will support LIFTT’s ongoing efforts to strengthen accessibility, independence, and community inclusion for people with disabilities living in rural Montana communities.

The grant will directly contribute to LIFTT’s community-based initiatives focused on reducing barriers faced by individuals with disabilities, particularly in rural areas where access to services, transportation, and resources is often limited. Through this funding, LIFTT will continue advancing programs that promote independent living, dignity, and equitable participation in community life.

“This generous support from AgWest Farm Credit is an investment in rural independence and inclusion,” said Carlos Ramalho, Executive Director of LIFTT. “For the communities we serve, even modest funding can have a meaningful impact, helping ensure that people with disabilities are not left behind simply because of where they live. We are deeply grateful for AgWest’s commitment to rural vitality and accessibility.

“Rural communities face unique transportation challenges, especially for people with disabilities and older adults,” said Tina A. Carter, Transportation Coordinator at LIFTT. “This funding from AgWest Farm Credit helps us strengthen local solutions that increase access to essential services, reduce isolation, and support independent living across Eastern Montana. We’re grateful for AgWest’s commitment to rural communities and to the people who rely on accessible transportation to remain connected and independent.”

About AgWest: AgWest Farm Credit’s Rural Community Grant Program provides funding to nonprofit organizations for projects that improve rural communities across Alaska, Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington. Supported initiatives include building or improving facilities, purchasing essential equipment, and funding capital improvements that enhance community infrastructure, long-term viability, and prosperity.

 

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.

December 2025 LIFTT Connection Now Available!

December 2025 LIFTT Connection Now Available!

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.

Community Living Skills Workshop Begins 1/20

Community Living Skills Workshop Begins 1/20

The logo for the Community Skills Workshop

Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT) is pleased to announce a  “Community Living Skills” (CLS) Workshop. The 10-week workshop begins on Tuesday, January 20, and will run for 10 sessions through Tuesday, March 31, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. The workshop will be hybrid, available both in person at the Billings LIFTT office (1241 Crawford Drive) and online via Microsoft Teams to participants throughout our 18-county service area.

Designed as part of the Healthy Community Living (HCL) program and rooted in the Independent Living Philosophy, CLS is for people with disabilities to build skills, share ideas, and explore opportunities they can use in their everyday lives.  Each of the ten sessions covers a different topic, designed to help participants learn and practice skills that will allow them to live more independently.  Topics covered in CLS include:

  • Disability Identity
  • Peer Support
  • Self Advocacy
  • Self-Care
  • Housing
  • Technology
  • Budgeting & Finance
  • Healthy Relationships
  • Transportation
  • Time Use & Management
If you are a person with disabilities interested in gaining new skills, meeting other people with similar experiences, and finding peer support, this workshop is for you. Participants often say it feels less like a class and more like a weekly gathering with friends who truly understand and support one another. CLS is provided free of charge to participants. To register or for more information, contact LIFTT’s lead CLS facilitator, Tanya Thomas, at (406) 702-8927 or tanyat@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.

“Optimize Your Brain Health” starts January 14

“Optimize Your Brain Health” starts January 14

Optimize Your Brain Health Class Starts January 14, 2026, For more information contact Eileen Rodrig…

Join us for this FREE 8-week course called “Optimize Your Brain Health.” In this class, we’ll explore lifestyle changes that support the brain’s ability to heal and thrive and can help prevent cognitive decline. Each week, we’ll focus on a key brain health habit, covering essential topics such as exercise, nutrition, sleep, and stress management techniques.

LIFTT Nutritional Health Coach Eileen Rodriguez leads “Optimize Your Brain Health.” Rodriguez has trained as a ReCODE 2.0 health coach under the direction of Dr. Dale Bredesen and is passionate about empowering individuals with the support and guidance needed to safeguard and enhance cognitive health as they age.

The next Optimize Your Brain Health class will begin on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at 3 p.m. and run each Wednesday through March 4. Class sessions will be held at LIFTT’s Billings office (1241 Crawford Drive). Participants can also attend virtually via Microsoft Teams.  For more information or to register, contact Eileen Rodriguez at (406) 294-5185 or eileenr@liftt.org.

Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your well-being and boost your brain health!

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.

LIFTT Board of Directors meets December 18

LIFTT Board of Directors meets December 18

The LIFTT board of directors will hold its ordinary quarterly meeting on Thursday December 18, 2025 at 4 p.m. The meeting will be conducted virtually using the Zoom platform..

 

The LIFTT Board of Directors will hold an ordinary meeting on Thursday, December 18, 2025, 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 December 18, 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.

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.

Glendive Office Holiday Open House 12/11

Glendive Office Holiday Open House 12/11

The community is invited to the Glendive LIFTT office at 119 S. Kendrick Avenue on Thursday December 11 for a FREE holiday open house. Music, Food & Pictures with Santa!

Join LIFTT’s Glendive Team on Thursday, December 11, from 4-6 p.m. at our office (119 S. Kendrick Ave.) to celebrate the holiday season and mark another year of service to our region with a holiday open house.

Everyone is welcome at this FREE event, which will include food, music, fun, and a chance to get your picture taken with Santa! For more information about the holiday open house, contact Tina Carter at (406) 939-4569 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 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.

Glendive LIFTT holding Coat Drive through 12/23

Glendive LIFTT holding Coat Drive through 12/23

The Glendive LIFTT Office is holding a coat drive! Coats will be collected Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the office (119 S. Kendrick Ave) through December 23

The Glendive LIFTT Office is holding a coat drive! Coats will be collected Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the office (119 S. Kendrick Ave) through December 23.

 

As winter arrives in Southeastern Montana, many of those  LIFTT serves need warm coats and outerwear to stay safe from the cold, wet weather. To help meet that need, the Glendive LIFTT office will be holding a coat drive through December 23.  If you have gently used, clean coats, gloves, scarves, hats, or other warm clothing that you no longer need, please consider donating.

You can drop off your donations  Monday-Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. until December 23 at the Glendive LIFTT office, 119 S. Kendrick Avenue. For more information, contact the Glendive office at (406) 948-8500

Your generosity can make a real difference in someone’s life! Thank you for helping us bring warmth and comfort to those who need it most.

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 Featured on Senior High Alumni Website

LIFTT Featured on Senior High Alumni Website

LIFTT is currently a featured businness/organzation  on the Billings Senior High School Alumni Website

LIFTT is currently one of the featured businesses/organizations on the Billings Senior High School Alumni Website local directory. 

If you are a former Bronc, or even if you are not, check out the feature piece on LIFTT here: https://billingshighschool.com/related-links.html#link49911 

If your business, organization, service club, school, faith community, or community group would like some information and a link to LIFTT to place on your website/social media, please contact Public Relations Specialist Jed Barton at (406) 294-5186, jedb@liftt.org for more information.

 

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 earns organizational leadership award

LIFTT earns organizational leadership award

LIFTT was recently honored with an award for organizational leadership at the DPHHS Diabetes Professional Conference in Helena.

LIFTT was recently honored with an award for organizational leadership at the DPHHS Diabetes Professional Conference in Helena.

Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT) has been honored with the Organizational Leadership Award at the Montana Diabetes Program’s 28th Annual Diabetes Professional Conference in Helena. The Montana Diabetes Program, part of the Department of Public Health & Human Services, recognized LIFTT for its significant leadership, innovation, and service in diabetes care, education, and prevention. The award celebrates LIFTT’s holistic approach to improving health outcomes for Montanans living with diabetes, especially among individuals with disabilities and older adults in rural communities.

During the awards ceremony, presenters highlighted LIFTT’s creative and community-driven initiatives, including:

  • Advocating for an accessible bus stop near its Billings office to improve mobility for individuals managing chronic conditions.
  • Launching an inclusive community garden, which promotes nutritional health, education, and social connection through hands-on learning.
  • Developing an ADA-accessible transportation system to enhance access to healthcare, wellness programs, and community services across eastern Montana.

“This award is a reflection of the hard work, passion, and dedication of everyone at LIFTT,” said Carlos Ramalho, LIFTT’s Executive Director. “Each of our staff, volunteers, and partners plays a role in making this recognition possible. Together, we’re building healthier, more inclusive communities, one step, one ride, and one garden bed at a time.”

The Organizational Leadership Award is presented annually to a team, group, or organization that demonstrates outstanding leadership and innovation in diabetes prevention and management. This year’s recognition underscores LIFTT’s ongoing commitment to addressing the intersection of disability, transportation, nutrition, and chronic disease prevention through accessible, community-based solutions.

 

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.

Brain Thrive Starts November 5

Brain Thrive Starts November 5

Join LIFTT for a FREE 6-week Brain Thrive Class! Designed to help young adults sharpen focus, improve memory, and make smarter decisions for a healthier brain and better life. Participants will Learn How to: * Protect your brain from damage * Fuel your brain with smart food choices * Break bad brain habits * Boost mood, motivation, and memory * Thrive academically and socially Classes will run each Wednesday from November 5 through December 16, beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the Billings LIFTT office (1241 Crawford Drive) For more information or to register for Brain Thrive, contact Eileen Rodrigeuz at (406) 294-5185 or eileenr@liftt.org

Join LIFTT for a FREE 6-week Brain Thrive Class!

Designed to help young adults sharpen focus, improve memory, and make smarter decisions for a healthier brain and better life.

Participants will Learn How to:

  • Protect your brain from damage
  • Fuel your brain with smart food choices
  • Break bad brain habits
  • Boost mood, motivation, and memory
  • Thrive academically and socially

Classes will run each Wednesday from November 5 through December 16, beginning at 3:30 p.m. at the Billings LIFTT office (1241 Crawford Drive). For more information or to register for Brain Thrive, contact Eileen Rodrigeuz 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 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.