June 2026 LIFTT Connection Now Available!

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

View the June 2026 LIFTT Connection Newsletter Email on the Web

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

In this issue of the LIFTT Connection:

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

About Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT): LIFTT is a Montana 501(c)3 corporation organized as a Center for Independent Living (CIL). With team members based in Billings and Glendive, LIFTT provides aging and disabled members of the community with programs, services, resources and advocacy 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 individuals and people with disabilities to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.

Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow’s (LIFTT’s) mission as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving Southeastern Montana is to empower aging individuals and people with disabilities to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Independence Begins at Home with LIFTT’s SDPAS/PCA Program

What does independence look like?

For some people, independence means driving to work every morning. For others, it means raising a family, volunteering in the community, attending church, visiting friends, or simply enjoying the comfort of home.

But what happens when age, illness, injury, or disability makes everyday tasks more difficult?

For many individuals, the answer is not moving away from home. The answer is finding the right support to remain there.

That is where LIFTT’s Self-Directed Personal Care Assistance Services Program, often called the SDPAS or PCA Program, makes a remarkable difference.

Every day throughout our service area, aging individuals and people with disabilities use the program to maintain their independence while continuing to live in their own homes and communities.

The concept is simple but powerful.

Instead of requiring individuals to leave their homes and move into more costly institutional settings, the program allows eligible participants to hire, train, schedule, and direct their own Personal Care Attendants. These attendants assist with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, meal preparation, housekeeping, mobility assistance, and other essential tasks.

The participant remains in charge.

That choice matters.

No one understands an individual’s needs better than the individual themselves. The Self-Directed model recognizes that people should have the freedom to make decisions about their own care, their own schedules, and their own lives.

The benefits extend far beyond practical assistance.

When people remain in their homes, they remain connected to their families, neighbors, churches, friends, and communities. They maintain routines that provide comfort and stability. They preserve their dignity and their sense of self-determination.

For many participants, the program provides peace of mind. Family members know their loved ones are receiving needed assistance while continuing to enjoy the familiarity and independence of home.

The benefits also extend to taxpayers.

Providing support in community settings is often significantly less expensive than institutional care. Programs that help individuals remain independent can reduce long-term healthcare costs while producing better quality-of-life outcomes.

In other words, everyone benefits.

Participants maintain greater control over their lives.

Families receive support and reassurance.

Communities retain active and engaged residents.

Taxpayers benefit from a more efficient use of public resources.

This is why Centers for Independent Living across the country strongly support consumer-directed services. These programs recognize a simple truth: people do not lose their right to make decisions simply because they need assistance.

At LIFTT, we are proud to administer and support Self-Directed Personal Care Assistance Services because they reflect the very principles upon which the Independent Living movement was founded: choice, dignity, self-determination, community participation, and freedom.

Every day, we see the difference these services make.

We see individuals remaining in homes they love.

We see families staying together.

We see consumers exercising control over their own lives.

And we see independence preserved.

Because independence is not measured by whether someone needs assistance.

Independence is measured by whether people have the freedom to make choices, pursue their goals, and live life on their own terms.

That is exactly what the SDPAS/PCA Program helps make possible.

For more information about LIFTT’s SDPS/PCA Program, please contact Holly Hanson at hollyh@liftt.org or (406) 831-0031

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, services, resources and advocacy 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 individuals and people with disabilities to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.

Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow’s (LIFTT’s) mission as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving Southeastern Montana is to empower aging individuals and people with disabilities to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Building Stronger Communities Through Education & Wellness

Erin Culp ( seated white female wearing a green shirt and blue jeans) leads a recent SAIL class in some basic free weight exercises.

Free weight exercises are just one of the things that LIFTT’s Erin Culp is now trained to lead as part of her Staying Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) certification.

Erin Takes the Helm of SAIL Classes

At LIFTT, we believe that empowering aging individuals and people with disabilities begins with providing access to high-quality programs, knowledgeable staff, and opportunities that promote health, independence, and community participation.

That commitment recently received another boost as Erin Culp successfully completed all certifications required for her role as Nutritional Health Coach and Independent Living Specialist.

Erin is now actively leading SAIL classes throughout the community. SAIL, which stands for Stay Active and Independent for Life, is an evidence-based strength, balance, and fitness program designed to help older adults improve mobility, reduce the risk of falls, increase confidence, and maintain independence.

For many participants, SAIL is much more than an exercise class. It is an opportunity to build friendships, stay engaged, improve physical well-being, and continue doing the activities that matter most in daily life.

By completing the training and certification requirements necessary to lead these classes, Erin has demonstrated a strong commitment to professional growth and service excellence. Her accomplishment reflects LIFTT’s ongoing investment in continuing education and workforce development.

As community needs continue to evolve, LIFTT remains committed to ensuring that staff members have access to training, certifications, and professional development opportunities that strengthen our ability to serve consumers effectively. Whether through wellness programs, independent living skills training, peer support, advocacy, transportation services, or community outreach, our goal is always the same: helping people achieve greater independence and improve their quality of life.

The addition of another fully certified instructor expands LIFTT’s capacity to offer evidence-based wellness programming throughout our service area and helps ensure that participants receive instruction grounded in nationally recognized best practices.

We are proud of Erin’s achievement and grateful for her dedication to helping individuals stay active, healthy, and independent.

Every certification earned by a LIFTT staff member represents more than professional advancement. It represents another investment in the people and communities we serve.

Congratulations, Erin, and thank you for helping LIFTT continue to build healthier, stronger, and more independent communities throughout Southeastern and South-Central Montana.

For more information about the Staying Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) classes, please contact Erin at (406) 831-0017 or erinc@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, services, resources and advocacy 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 individuals and people with disabilities to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.

Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow’s (LIFTT’s) mission as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving Southeastern Montana is to empower aging individuals and people with disabilities to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Communication is Independence

Serving the Deaf, Hard of Hearing and those experiences Hearing Loss

Hearing Aids, American Sign Language, and Phones with Closed Captions are all part of making communication and independence possible for the deaf and hard of hearing. (Top and Middle: Canva, Bottom: clearcaptions.com)

Imagine waking up one morning and discovering that conversations have become difficult. The voices of family members sound distant. Phone calls become frustrating. Community events feel harder to navigate. Even routine appointments can suddenly become stressful.

For many people who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or experiencing hearing loss, these challenges are part of everyday life. The good news is that no one has to face them alone.

At LIFTT, we believe that communication is independence.

Being able to communicate effectively opens doors to employment, healthcare, education, friendships, community involvement, and self-advocacy. When communication barriers are reduced, opportunities expand, and people gain greater control over their own lives.

Many people are surprised to learn that Centers for Independent Living serve individuals who are Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or experiencing hearing loss. LIFTT’s Independent Living Specialists work alongside consumers to identify goals, remove barriers, and connect them with resources that support greater independence and full participation in community life.

LIFTT can assist individuals by providing information and referral services, helping people navigate available programs and resources, and connecting consumers with organizations that specialize in hearing-related services. We can help individuals explore captioned telephone programs, learn about hearing aid resources, locate American Sign Language classes, and identify community supports available to them.

Our staff also provides advocacy and independent living support. Whether someone needs assistance understanding available options, advocating for accessibility, or connecting with local and statewide resources, LIFTT is committed to helping individuals make informed choices and achieve their goals.

Hearing loss can occur gradually or suddenly. It can affect people of all ages, though it becomes increasingly common as we grow older. Many individuals delay seeking assistance because they believe hearing loss is simply part of aging. However, early intervention and access to resources can make a significant difference in maintaining social connections, confidence, and quality of life.

For those who communicate through American Sign Language, hearing technology, captioning services, or a combination of communication methods, independence begins with access. Access leads to participation. Participation leads to belonging.

At LIFTT, we are committed to creating communities where everyone can communicate, contribute, and thrive.

If you or someone you know is Deaf, Hard of Hearing, or experiencing hearing loss, contact LIFTT today. Our Independent Living Specialists are ready to listen, help, and connect you with resources that can support your journey toward greater independence. Because everyone deserves the opportunity to be heard, understood, and included. For more information, please contact Pamela Ramirez, Independent Living Program Manager at (406) 259-5189 or pamelar@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, services, resources and advocacy 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 individuals and people with disabilities to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.

Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow’s (LIFTT’s) mission as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving Southeastern Montana is to empower aging individuals and people with disabilities to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Letter from the Garden

The LIFTT Community Garden welcomes all to join in growing plants and growing community! (LIFTT Photo)

Dear Neighbor,

You may not know me yet.

You may have driven past me. You may have heard someone mention me. You may have seen a tomato plant growing quietly in the Montana sun and never realized that I am here.

But I know something about you.

I know that, like every seed planted in the soil, you carry possibilities within you.

This spring, my gates opened once again.

Nineteen people gathered for the Community Garden Kickoff. Some came to learn. Some came to plant. Some came to reconnect with friends. Some simply came because they were curious. Together, they shared ideas, questions, stories, and hopes for the season ahead.

Two gardeners planted their plots that very day. Others left carrying free tomato and pepper plants, gifts made possible through the generosity of our friends and supporters.

What happened may have looked like a gardening event.

But I know better.

Because gardens are never only about vegetables.

They are about patience.

They are about second chances.

They are about believing that something beautiful can emerge from a tiny seed buried in the darkness.

Every season, I witness remarkable things.

I watch strangers become friends.

I watch confidence grow alongside cucumbers and peppers.

I watch people discover that they are capable of more than they imagined.

I watch neighbors share knowledge, encouragement, and harvests.

And I watch barriers slowly give way to belonging.

At LIFTT’s ADA-accessible Community Garden, everyone is welcome.

Experienced gardeners.

First-time gardeners.

Young people.

Older adults.

People with disabilities.

People without disabilities.

People who know exactly what they are doing.

And people who simply want to learn.

Last year, more than one hundred participants helped transform this space into a living community. This year, we hope even more people will discover what can happen when we grow something together.

Along the way, we would like to express our gratitude.

Thank you to San Diego Seed Company, whose generous donation of seeds helped launch countless stories of growth, nourishment, and connection. Their gift continues to bear fruit far beyond what can be measured in pounds of produce.

Thank you also to Garrett Mills, Chair of LIFTT’s Board of Directors. Garrett has spent countless hours nurturing seedlings, preparing plants, teaching others, answering questions, and sharing his knowledge. But those who know Garrett understand that he grows more than gardens.

He grows confidence.

He grows community.

He grows opportunities for people to learn, belong, and thrive.

Like any good gardener, he understands that growth begins beneath the surface, often long before anyone else can see it.

As summer unfolds, I invite you to visit.

Come plant.

Come learn.

Come ask questions.

Come share stories.

Come discover that gardening is not only about what grows in the soil.

It is also about what grows within us.

I will be here all season.

Waiting patiently.

Growing quietly.

And saving a place for you.

Sincerely,

The LIFTT Community Garden

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, services, resources and advocacy 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 individuals and people with disabilities to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.

Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow’s (LIFTT’s) mission as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving Southeastern Montana is to empower aging individuals and people with disabilities to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Get your Hidden Treasures, Grand Journeys Tickets Today!

Hidden Treasures & Grand Journeys, A benefit for RideWell Saturday August 1, 5:30 p.m. at the Columbia Club

Join LIFTT at the Columbia Club in Billings on Saturday, August 1, for “Hidden Treasures & Grand Journeys.” The evening will feature a catered dinner, live and silent auctions, and opportunities for engagement with LIFTT’s mission and programs.

Tickets and Table Sponsorships are going fast for “Hidden Treasures, Grand Journeys,” a dinner, silent and live auction fundraiser in support of RideWell Transportation- A service of LIFTT on Saturday, August 1, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Columbia Club, 2216 Grand Avenue in Billings.

Catered by Glendive’s Black Sheep Market, Dinner will feature traditional BBQ fare of smoked brisket, teriyaki chicken skewers, rolls, baked beans, and mac’n’cheese, along with a salad bar and cheesecake with strawberries for dessert. A cash bar will be available for those wishing to purchase beverages.

“Hidden Treasures” such as vintage antiques, custom jewelry, spa days, rounds of golf, a Billings Mustangs ticket package, and more await your bid at the silent auction tables.

Local auctioneer, Reno Babcock, will be at the gavel for the Live Auction, which will feature artwork, a portable wheelchair ramp, and three “Grand Journeys” to bid on:

New Zealand Big Game Hunt A three day/four night hunting adventure for six hunters in the Marlborough Region of New Zealand’s South Island where by day a local guide will lead you across thousands of acres for in search of big game such as Red Stag, Fallow Stag, Arapawa Ram, Captain Cook Wild Boar while by night you will enjoy comfortable upscale lodging at Avon Valley Safari’s lodge with local inspired gourmet meals and suburb New Zealand wines and beers.
Argentina Big Game & Dove Hunt: A five-night/four-day trip for six hunters to the Santiago Del Estero province of Argentina, where local guides will help you experience three days pursuing big game such as the Red Stag, Argentine Water Buffalo, and Blackbuck across the Pampas before a final full day of Extreme Volume Dove Hunting. Comfortable upscale lodging will be provided at a genuine Argentine estancia with gourmet meals and a wide selection of local beer and wine.
Casa De Sofía Fiesta!: An eight-day/seven-night (Saturday-Saturday) stay for up to eight people at a private luxury villa in a gated community overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Manzanillo, Mexico, including a private chef, private bartender, private infinity pool, dedicated travel concierge, private neighborhood beach, tennis, golf, snorkeling, jet skiing, fishing, horseback riding, and more!

All proceeds from the dinner and auctions will directly support RideWell, LIFTT’s ADA Accessible Rural Transportation Service, which will provide critical mobility assistance to aging and disabled individuals in Southeastern and South-Central Montana. Through RideWell, individuals will be able to attend medical appointments, access essential services, and remain connected to their communities.

Individual tickets are $50, and Table Sponsorships are $400. In addition to eight tickets, table sponsorship includes placement of your name or your organization/business’s name in the event program, signage, social media, and other advertising opportunities. For more information or to purchase your tickets/sponsorship, contact Pamela Ramirez at (406) 294-5189 or pamelar@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, services, resources and advocacy 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 individuals and people with disabilities to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.

Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow’s (LIFTT’s) mission as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving Southeastern Montana is to empower aging individuals and people with disabilities to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Why Disability Rights Advocacy Matters More Than Ever

An overhead shot of a group of people meetng around a table the top of their heads and hands are visible

(file photos/pexels.com)

There are moments in history when progress feels inevitable.

And then there are moments when we are reminded that progress requires vigilance.

Across the United States, disability rights advocates, independent living organizations, self-advocates, family members, attorneys, policymakers, and community leaders continue working to preserve and strengthen protections that many Americans now take for granted. Accessible schools. Accessible transportation. Accessible healthcare. Accessible housing. Equal opportunities in employment. Community inclusion. Independent living.

These achievements did not happen by accident.

They happened because generations of advocates worked tirelessly to ensure that people with disabilities would have the same opportunities, rights, and freedoms enjoyed by everyone else.

That work continues today.

In Montana, Disability Rights Montana serves as the state’s designated Protection and Advocacy organization, working to protect and advance the legal and civil rights of people with disabilities. Through advocacy, education, investigation, legal action, and systemic reform efforts, the organization helps ensure that individuals with disabilities have a voice when barriers arise and rights are threatened.

The importance of this work cannot be overstated.

Disability rights are not simply legal principles. They affect everyday life. They influence whether a child can access an education, whether a veteran can obtain services, whether a worker can receive reasonable accommodations, whether a person can access healthcare, and whether individuals can fully participate in their communities.

Strong advocacy helps ensure that systems remain accountable and accessible.

This year, Disability Rights Montana announced the search for a new Advocacy Director, a leadership position that will help shape disability policy, advocacy strategies, and systemic change efforts throughout the state. The individual selected for this role will help guide efforts that impact thousands of Montanans with disabilities and their families.

While organizations may approach disability issues from different perspectives and through different methods, one principle remains constant: meaningful change requires people who are willing to advocate, educate, collaborate, and lead.

At LIFTT, we understand the importance of advocacy, as it is one of the core pillars of the Independent Living movement. Every accessible building, every transportation improvement, every policy reform, every accommodation, and every opportunity for greater independence exists because someone chose to speak up and work for change.

The future of disability rights will not be shaped by a single organization or a single individual.

It will be shaped by communities.

It will be shaped by partnerships.

It will be shaped by people who believe that aging individuals and people with disabilities deserve dignity, choice, opportunity, and full participation in society.

As we look toward the future, we encourage our readers to learn more about the organizations, advocates, and leaders working every day to strengthen disability rights in Montana.

Because independence is not only something we achieve individually.

It is something we build together.

To learn more about Disability Rights Montana and current opportunities to become involved, visit: www.disabilityrightsmt.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, services, resources and advocacy 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 individuals and people with disabilities to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.

Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow’s (LIFTT’s) mission as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving Southeastern Montana is to empower aging individuals and people with disabilities to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Honoring Service, Supporting Independence

“The Wall That Heals,” A traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, will visit Billings from July 2-5. A three-quarter scale replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. The wall includes the names of over 58,000 United States Armed Forces personnel killed serving in Southeast Asia between 1955 and 1975. (Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund)

As Billings prepares to welcome The Wall That Heals this July, many community members will have an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices made by America’s veterans and their families.

For some, the visit will be deeply personal. For others, it will be an opportunity to learn, remember, and honor those who served.

At LIFTT, honoring veterans means more than remembering the past. It also means helping veterans live independently today and tomorrow.

Many veterans face challenges related to aging, mobility, chronic health conditions, hearing loss, vision loss, transportation barriers, housing accessibility, social isolation, or other disabilities that may affect daily life. Navigating available resources can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially for individuals living in rural communities.

That is where LIFTT can help.

As the Center for Independent Living serving Southeast and South-central Montana, LIFTT works with veterans to identify goals, overcome barriers, and connect with resources that support greater independence and community participation.

Our Independent Living Specialists can assist veterans with information and referral services, benefits navigation, peer support, independent living skills training, advocacy, housing resources, transportation options, assistive technology, wellness programs, and connections to community services.

Most importantly, we recognize that every veteran’s experience is unique. Our role is not to tell people how to live their lives. Our role is to provide information, support, and opportunities so individuals can make informed choices and achieve the goals that matter most to them.

The Independent Living philosophy is built on self-determination, dignity, choice, and community inclusion. These values often resonate strongly with veterans who have spent their lives serving others and overcoming challenges.

As Billings welcomes The Wall That Heals, a traveling replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, we encourage our community to take time to reflect on the service and sacrifice of those who answered our nation’s call. The exhibit will be open to the public at Will James Middle School from July 2 through July 5 and will rely on volunteers and community support to make the event a success.

To all veterans throughout our service area, we want you to know that LIFTT is here for you.

Whether you are seeking information, support, advocacy, wellness programs, transportation resources, or simply a place to begin, our team is ready to help.

Thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifice. And thank you for allowing us the privilege of serving you.

Because independence is something worth defending, preserving, and supporting.

For more information, please contact Pamela Ramirez, Independent Living Program Manager & MFP Regional Transition Coordinator at (406) 294-5189 or pamelar@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, services, resources and advocacy 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 individuals and people with disabilities to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.

Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow’s (LIFTT’s) mission as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving Southeastern Montana is to empower aging individuals and people with disabilities to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

From Executive Director: Summer, Opportunity & the Road Ahead

Can you believe we have already reached the halfway point of 2026?

As summer arrives across South and Central Eastern Montana, many of us look forward to longer days, warmer weather, family gatherings, community events, and opportunities to spend more time outdoors. Summer gives us a chance to recharge, reconnect, and reflect on the things that matter most.

At LIFTT, summer is also a season of opportunity.

The first half of 2026 has been one of the most exciting periods in our organization’s history. Across our service area, we continue working every day to empower aging individuals and people with disabilities to live independently, participate fully in their communities, and pursue the goals that matter most to them.

This month is especially meaningful because LIFTT’s Board of Directors recently approved updated Vision and Mission Statements that reaffirm our commitment to person-centered services and respectful, inclusive language. While the wording has changed, our purpose remains the same: empowering people, removing barriers, and creating opportunities for greater independence.

We are also celebrating significant growth and expansion.

In Glendive, LIFTT has successfully transitioned into its new facility on South Douglas Street, creating new opportunities for community engagement, expanded services, and future program development. The opening of the upLIFTT Thrift Store marks another exciting milestone as we continue building innovative ways to support both our mission and our long-term sustainability.

Meanwhile, development of the RideWell ADA Accessible Rural Transportation Program continues moving forward. Transportation remains one of the greatest barriers faced by many individuals living in rural communities, and we are working diligently to build solutions that will connect people to healthcare, employment, education, shopping, recreation, and community life. We were honored to receive the community’s support for this important initiative. We invite you to join us on Saturday, August 1, at the Columbia Club in Billings for “Hidden Treasures, Grand Journeys,” a dinner, silent and live auction benefiting RideWell.

Our commitment to accessibility continues to grow as well. This year, LIFTT established a permanent ADA and Section 504 Compliance Committee dedicated to strengthening accessibility across our facilities, programs, services, communications, and operations. Accessibility is not simply a legal requirement. It is a reflection of our values and our belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to participate fully in community life.

Across our organization, staff members continue pursuing professional certifications, advanced training, and continuing education opportunities. Whether teaching wellness classes, supporting consumers through Independent Living services, expanding transportation options, or helping individuals navigate complex systems, our team remains committed to providing the highest quality services possible.

Most importantly, we continue to see the impact of this work in the lives of the people we serve. Every consumer who gains confidence, learns a new skill, secures a needed resource, accesses transportation, improves their health, finds community, or achieves a personal goal reminds us why our mission matters.

The second half of 2026 promises to be even more exciting than the first.

New programs are being developed. New partnerships are being formed. New opportunities are emerging. And together, we will continue building a future where aging individuals and people with disabilities can live independently, pursue their goals, and thrive in the communities they call home.

As you enjoy the summer months ahead, please remember that LIFTT is here to help. Whether you are seeking information, advocacy, support, transportation resources, wellness programs, or opportunities to become involved in your community, we look forward to serving you.

Thank you for being part of the LIFTT family.

The future is bright, and together we are continuing to rise above the barriers of life.

Warm regards,

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

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, services, resources and advocacy 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 individuals and people with disabilities to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.

Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow’s (LIFTT’s) mission as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving Southeastern Montana is to empower aging individuals and people with disabilities to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Always Learning Always Growing

Two Images one an isolated shot of Eileen Rodrigeuz (a white woman wearing a pink tee shirt) showing her Tai Chi class a movement, and a wider shot of Eileen and several class members doing Tai Chi

LIFTT Nutritional Health Coach Eileen Rodriguez leads a recent Tai Chi class at LIFTT’s Billings Office. Rodriguez was recently certified to teach “Tai Chi for Diabetes” by the Tai Chi for Health Institute.

LIFTT Staff Continue Preparing to Better Serve Our Consumers

At LIFTT, serving our consumers well means more than showing up. It means continuing to learn, train, improve, and grow so that aging individuals and people with disabilities receive services that are safe, informed, meaningful, and empowering.

One recent example of this commitment comes from Eileen Rodriguez, one of LIFTT’s Independent Living Specialists and Nutritional Health Coaches

Eileen recently completed training to become a Certified Tai Chi for Diabetes Instructor through the Tai Chi for Health Institute. This certification builds upon her existing work teaching Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention and expands LIFTT’s ability to offer wellness-focused classes that support movement, balance, confidence, and community connection.

Tai Chi is a gentle form of movement that can be adapted for many people, including older adults and people with disabilities. For many participants, classes are not only about exercise. They are also about building routine, reducing isolation, strengthening confidence, and participating in a supportive group environment.

Eileen’s initiative reflects something important about LIFTT’s culture. We are constantly seeking continuing education, training, and professional development opportunities to better serve our consumers. Whether through Independent Living skills training, peer support, advocacy, wellness education, transportation planning, accessibility work, or community outreach, LIFTT staff continue preparing themselves to meet the changing needs of the people and communities we serve.

Certification matters because consumers deserve programs that are delivered responsibly, safely, and with appropriate training. When staff members pursue specialized credentials, they strengthen not only their own professional skills but also LIFTT’s capacity to provide high-quality services across South and Central Eastern Montana.

LIFTT is proud of staff members like Eileen who take the initiative to keep learning, keep improving, and keep finding new ways to support independence.

Our message to the community is simple: LIFTT is more prepared than ever to serve you.

We believe independence is strengthened through education, support, opportunity, and wellness. Every new training, every certification, and every professional development effort helps us continue building a stronger, more responsive Center for Independent Living.

Congratulations, Eileen, and thank you for helping LIFTT continue to grow in service to our consumers.

The Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention class is currently held on Tuesdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Billings LIFTT office, 1241 Crawford Drive. The Tai Chi for Diabetes class is held on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., also at the Billings LIFTT office. For more information about Tai Chi and other LIFTT Health and Wellness Classes, 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 aging and disabled members of the community with programs, services, resources and advocacy 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 individuals and people with disabilities to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.

Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow’s (LIFTT’s) mission as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Center for Independent Living serving Southeastern Montana is to empower aging individuals and people with disabilities to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.