News - LIFTT

LIFTT Board of Directors meets December 18

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

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

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 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 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

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.

Extraordinary Board Meeting October 19

in the Billings LIFTT office.

The LIFTT board of directors will hold an extraordinary meeting on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 8 a.m. at the Billings LIFTT office (1241 Crawford Drive). The public is invited to attend and offer comments during the public comment period.

Click here to view or download the agenda for the October 19, 2025, Extraordinary 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.

Extraordinary Board Meeting October 18

in the Billings LIFTT office.

The LIFTT board of directors will hold an extraordinary meeting on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 8 a.m. at the Billings LIFTT office (1241 Crawford Drive). The public is invited to attend and offer comments during the public comment period.

Click here to view or download the agenda for the October 18, 2025, Extraordinary 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.

September 2025 LIFTT Connection Now Available!

The September 2025 edition of the LIFTT Connection Newsletter is now available!

View the September 2025 LIFTT Connection Newsletter Email on the Web

Download the September 2025 LIFTT Connection Newsletter Email (Adobe PDF)

In this issue of the LIFTT Connection:

You can request to join our email list and receive the September 2025 LIFTT Connection Newsletter and future newsletters by sending your name and address to jedb@liftt.org. Also, look for articles from the newsletter to be posted on liftt.org and our Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn feeds.

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

Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT) is proud to announce that it has been awarded a Community Investment Fund (CIF) mini-grant to expand and enhance its ADA Accessible All-Inclusive Community Garden. This funding will help ensure that people of all abilities—aging and disabled individuals alongside those without disabilities—can fully participate in the joys and benefits of gardening.

The CIF award enables LIFTT to purchase adaptive gardening tools, including long-handled and ergonomic hand tools, one-handed implements, adaptive gripping aids, kneelers, garden seats, raised beds, self-watering containers, and wheelchair-accessible features. These resources will allow individuals with mobility limitations, arthritis, low grip strength, or other challenges to actively engage in gardening, workshops, and community activities.

“This grant affirms what we’ve believed from the start—when you design spaces for inclusion, you create opportunities for connection, learning, and independence,” said Carlos A. Ramalho, Executive Director of LIFTT. “The Community Investment Fund is helping us remove the barriers that keep too many people from participating in something as fundamental and life-giving as tending a garden.”

Located at LIFTT’s headquarters in Billings, the garden offers an accessible and welcoming environment for at least 100 participants in its inaugural season, with half of them expected to be individuals with disabilities. Through seasonal planting, maintenance, harvesting events, and educational workshops on adaptive techniques, nutrition, and sustainability, the project will foster inclusion, wellness, and community connection.

For more information about LIFTT’s ADA Accessible All-Inclusive Community Garden or other programs, please visit www.liftt.org or call (406) 259-5181.

About the Community Investment Fund:

The Community Investment Fund (CIF) supports inclusive projects across Montana that enable people with disabilities to live, learn, work, and play in their communities alongside people without disabilities. CIF Grants are administered by the University of Montana Rural Institute for Inclusive Communities.

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.