News

LIFTT Charges into 2025

LIFTT is leading the charge for independence and inclusion as we step into 2025 with a focus on our core services and new innovative programs.

As we step into 2025, Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow (LIFTT) remains steadfast in its mission to empower individuals with disabilities. We are leading the charge for independence and inclusion, making them not just ideals but lived realities for countless Montanans. Through innovative programs, evidence-based services, and the unwavering dedication of our team, LIFTT continues to break down barriers and build up communities. This year, we are proud to deliver our comprehensive range of services and initiatives designed to transform lives across southeastern Montana.

Core Services: Supporting Independence at Every Stage

1. Information & Referral (I&R): Empowering Through Knowledge

Knowledge is power; at LIFTT, our I&R services are designed to be more than transactional — they are transformative. With over 4,186 inquiries addressed in FY 2023-2024, our specialists are ready to connect individuals with critical resources like Medicaid, housing, and assistive technology. This year, we aim to expand these efforts, ensuring every connection leads to a solution.

2. Advocacy: Amplifying Voices, Dismantling Barriers

Whether advocating for individual rights under the ADA or working systemically to influence policies, LIFTT remains a relentless force for change. Advocacy is not just about altering laws; it’s about shifting mindsets and creating a culture where independence and inclusion are the norm.

3. Peer Support: Building Strength Through Solidarity

LIFTT’s peer support programs create spaces for truth-telling, growth, and transformation. Disabled individuals lead and inspire one another, proving that lived experience is a powerful tool for resilience and empowerment.

4. Independent Living Skills Training: Thriving Beyond Survival

Life is our classroom. From financial literacy to public transportation navigation, our Independent Living Specialists equip individuals with the skills they need to thrive independently.

5. Institutional Transition & Diversion: From Isolation to Integration

Freedom is fundamental. In 2025, LIFTT will continue to help individuals transition from institutional settings into community-based living, transforming dreams of independence into reality.

6. Youth Transitions: Empowering the Next Generation

Partnering with Montana Vocational Rehabilation’s Pre-Employment Transitions Services (Pre-ETS), LIFTT prepares youth with disabilities for education, careers, and adulthood. This year, we will expand our reach, ensuring every young person has the tools to chart their own course.

Innovative Initiatives: The Future of Independent Living

1. ADA Accessible Rural Transportation Program

This groundbreaking program brings independence to Montana’s rural communities. By addressing transportation barriers, we are ensuring that no one is left behind.

Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP)

LIFTT’s DPP is reshaping how we approach food and health. With informative class sessions and meals that are both diabetes-friendly and delicious, we’re promoting a cultural shift toward healthier living for all.

Looking Ahead: A Vision for Inclusion

LIFTT’s charge and goal for 2025 is clear: to remove barriers, empower individuals, and create inclusive communities. Whether through practical support like wheelchair ramps or systemic efforts to change policies, LIFTT is committed to proving that independence is a right, not a privilege. This year, we invite all Montanans to join us in this transformative journey. Together, we can redefine what it means to live independently, ensuring a future where inclusion and equity are within everyone’s reach. Stay tuned for updates as we roll out these programs and initiatives throughout 2025. Independence isn’t just our mission — it’s our promise.

For more information or to get involved, Visit us online at LIFTT.org, Follow us on Facebook & Instagram, or stop by one of our offices:

Billings: 1241 Crawford Drive, (406) 259-5181
Glendive: 119 S. Kendrick Avenue, (406) 948-8500

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

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

LIFTT Low Glycemic Index Cookbook Avaliable on Amazon!

Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT) is pleased to announce that our new “Low Glycemic Index Cookbook” is now available in paperback or Kindle format through Amazon.com!

A culinary companion created in honor of our Diabetes Prevention Program. This collection of recipes is more than just a cookbook; it’s a testament to our commitment to supporting the health and well-being of our community.

As a not-for-profit Independent Living center serving 18 counties across southeastern and south-central Montana, LIFTT’s mission is to empower individuals with disabilities and those in the aging community to live independently and participate fully in society. We believe in teaching self-reliance and providing resources rather than temporary solutions – in essence, teaching people to fish rather than simply handing out fish.

This cookbook is a reflection of that philosophy. It features a variety of low glycemic index breakfast and lunch recipes designed to support both the consumers we serve and our dedicated employees. These meals are delicious and crafted to help maintain stable blood sugar levels, an essential factor in diabetes prevention and management.

But this cookbook represents more than just healthy eating. It embodies our commitment to inclusion and community support. At LIFTT, we serve as a hub of resources for individuals experiencing various hardships in their lives. We understand that good nutrition is a crucial component of overall well-being, and we’re proud to share these recipes as part of our holistic approach to supporting our community.

Whether you’re a participant in the Diabetes Prevention Program or simply someone interested in exploring low glycemic index meals, we hope this cookbook becomes a valuable resource in your kitchen and your journey towards better health.

Let’s embark on this culinary adventure together, creating meals that nourish our bodies, support our health, and bring us together as a community. Happy cooking!

Click here to purchase the LIFTT Low Glycemic Index Cookbook on Amazon.com.

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

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Thank You JSEC!

Empowering Lives Together: LIFTT and JSEC Partner to Make a Difference

At Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow (LIFTT), we believe in the power of partnerships to transform lives. This belief was profoundly affirmed when we received an extraordinary gift of $750 from the Billings Job Service Employers Committee (JSEC). This generous donation reflects not only the kindness and selflessness of the individuals behind this effort but also the shared vision of both organizations in fostering independence, dignity, and opportunity for everyone in our community.

A Commitment to Empowerment

JSEC’s mission is to support organizations like LIFTT that assist job seekers, newly employed individuals, and those overcoming barriers to workforce participation. This donation represents far more than a financial contribution; it is a symbol of hope and possibility for individuals with disabilities striving for independence and inclusion in the workforce.

With these funds, LIFTT will be able to provide adaptive vocational experiences, essential work clothing, transportation support, and specialized equipment. These resources will empower individuals to take bold steps toward their professional goals and equip them with the tools they need to succeed.

Celebrating a Partnership of Purpose

The partnership between LIFTT and JSEC embodies the best of what Montana stands for: community, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to uplifting one another. Together, we are breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate fully in society and contribute their talents to the workforce.

This collaboration also highlights the vital role of state services in supporting initiatives that make our communities stronger and more inclusive. From Yellowstone County to Big Horn, Stillwater, Carbon, and Musselshell Counties, the ripple effects of JSEC’s generosity will be felt far and wide.

An Act of Selflessness

The incredible kindness and dedication of those who made this donation possible deserve special recognition. The effort, care, and thoughtfulness that went into assembling these funds are a testament to the spirit of giving that thrives in our community. Such selflessness reminds us of the profound impact we can have when we work together toward a shared purpose.

A Heartfelt Thank You

On behalf of everyone at LIFTT and the individuals whose lives will be forever changed by this generosity, we extend our deepest gratitude to JSEC. Your partnership inspires us and fuels our mission to empower people with disabilities to live independently and with dignity.

We are excited to see the impact of this incredible gift and look forward to continuing our partnership with JSEC and the state of Montana. Together, we are building a brighter, more inclusive future for all.

LIFTT Gets out the Vote!

Image courtesy of Indiana Disability Rights

The Power of the Vote: Engaging Aging and Disabled Communities in Montana’s Democratic Process

During the weeks leading up to the 2024 general election, Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT) transformed its commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities into a robust campaign for civic engagement across 18 counties in Southeastern and South Central Montana. As a Center for Independent Living (CIL), LIFTT believes in the transformative power of the vote and political engagement to protect the rights of aging and disabled populations. This article explores how we helped these communities understand the importance of participating in the democratic process, emphasizing that every voice matters in our democracy and that voting is the most powerful weapon to safeguard their rights.

Understanding the Landscape

Montana’s vast geography and rural nature present unique challenges for civic engagement, particularly for aging and disabled individuals. These challenges are compounded by barriers such as limited access to transportation, a lack of accessible voting information, and insufficient encouragement to participate in the political process. LIFTT’s 2024 voter outreach campaign aimed to address these obstacles head-on by emphasizing empowerment, accessibility, and education.

Key Observations from 2024

Our efforts revealed several important trends and lessons that informed our approach:

Message Resonance: Messaging that reminded individuals of their fundamental right to vote and its connection to protecting their access to services and accommodations resonated deeply. Historical references to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the achievements of disability rights movements created a sense of empowerment.
Outreach Effectiveness: LIFTT’s multimedia campaign reached thousands of individuals through diverse channels. We sent 63,551 emails encouraging the population of our service area to vote, of which 15,878 were opened and read. Additionally, 25% of the recipients clicked to view the advertisement titled “YOUR VOTE COUNTS.” While the email campaign’s performance metrics — an open rate of 24.63%, a click-through rate of 0.30%, and a click-to-open rate of 1.22% — slightly underperformed benchmark averages, this is typical for educational campaigns where the call-to-action emphasizes awareness rather than direct incentives.

Over three weeks, The Billings Gazette also printed and digitally published our advertisements, ensuring the paper’s entire subscriber base saw them. This integration of print and digital outreach significantly amplified our message.

Barriers Identified: Many individuals expressed concerns about the voting process, particularly around accessibility and transportation. In response, LIFTT provided information on absentee voting and worked to connect individuals with local resources to ensure their voices were heard.
The Role of the CaPA Grant: The grant enabled LIFTT to expand its outreach efforts significantly. Through direct engagements and targeted campaigns, we reached individuals who might otherwise have been excluded from the political process.

Data-Driven Impact

During the three weeks before the elections, between October and November 2024, LIFTT set 78 voter engagement goals, of which 61 were successfully completed. These achievements included registering voters, educating individuals about their rights, and facilitating access to polling places. For example, we supported individuals in accessing transportation to their polling stations, ensuring they could participate in the democratic process.

The Power of Empowerment

One-on-one conversations revealed that many aging and disabled individuals felt their voices were too small to make a difference. LIFTT’s campaign flipped this narrative by emphasizing that each vote contributes to the collective power needed to influence policies. This approach turned skepticism into action, with individuals expressing newfound confidence in their ability to create change.

Looking Forward

The lessons from LIFTT’s 2024 campaign underscore the importance of targeted, empathetic outreach in engaging aging and disabled populations in the political process. The vote is not just a right but a tool for empowerment and protection. By fostering a culture of participation, we help these communities ensure their voices are heard, their rights are respected, and their needs are addressed in the halls of power.

In a democracy like the United States, every voice matters. At LIFTT, we believe that empowering individuals to exercise their right to vote is one of the most effective ways to protect the rights of the aging and disabled. The success of our 2024 multimedia campaign, which combined print and digital outreach to engage and educate thousands, is a testament to the power of strategic, inclusive engagement.

We look forward to building on this foundation in the years to come.

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

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

The Life-Changing Power of Strength Training

Strong Bones, Strong Future

Imagine this: your bones as a fortress, standing tall and unyielding, guarding your independence and vitality. Now, imagine those walls weakening, crumbling piece by piece. This is the silent threat of osteoporosis, a condition that impacts more than 10 million Americans aged 50 and older. It’s a condition that doesn’t just break bones—it breaks confidence, independence, and the ability to live life on your terms.

But here’s the good news: you have the power to fight back. The secret weapon? Strength training.

Osteoporosis: The Silent Thief

Osteoporosis sneaks up quietly. It reduces bone mass and alters the very structure of your bones, leaving them fragile and prone to fractures. A simple fall could result in months—or even years—of recovery. For many, it’s a turning point, making independent living feel like a distant memory.

But strength training flips the script. It’s not just a workout; it’s an armor-building exercise for your bones.

The Science of Strength

Studies show that regular strength training can:

Increase bone mineral density (BMD): Think of this as reinforcing the walls of your fortress.
Improve balance: A stronger body means fewer falls.
Build muscle mass: The more muscle you have, the better you protect those precious bones.

Your Strength, Your Way

Strength training isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution—it’s adaptable, empowering, and, yes, even fun. Here are some ways to get started:

Bodyweight exercises like push-ups and squats.
Resistance bands for a portable and effective workout.
Machines that provide controlled, safe movements.
Dumbbells, barbells, and kettlebells for those ready to lift and grow.

Not into heavy lifting? No problem. Lightweight exercises with high repetitions are equally effective in combating bone loss. Strength training is for everyone, regardless of experience or access to fancy equipment.

Take the First Step—Safely

Here’s the deal: strength training is powerful, but it’s important to do it right. Proper form and breathing techniques are key to avoiding injury and maximizing results. That’s where LIFTT’s Nutritional Health Coaches come in.

Anya Pulis, our resident expert with a B.S. in Kinesiology and Health Promotion, is ready to guide you every step of the way. As an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and National Diabetes Prevention Program Certified Lifestyle Coach, Anya combines expertise with a passion for helping you reclaim your strength and independence.

Your Future Awaits—Take Action Today

Don’t let osteoporosis dictate your life. Strength training isn’t just about building muscle; it’s about building resilience, confidence, and a future where you’re in control.

Ready to take the leap? Contact Anya Pulis at (406) 606-1766 or anyap@liftt.org to learn the basics of strength training and start building a stronger, more independent you.

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

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Brain Health Class Update

Heal and Protect Your Brain with Good Bugs

What if the key to unlocking a sharper mind, stronger memory, and a more vibrant life was already within you? Welcome to LIFTT’s Brain Health Class, where we embark on a journey to unravel the mysteries of cognitive wellness and take actionable steps to prevent decline. Every month, we gather to dive deep into transformative insights, armed with cutting-edge knowledge and an eagerness to optimize our brain health.

In November 2024, our focus turned to the compelling wisdom of Brain Maker by David Perlmutter, MD. This eye-opening book revealed a truth so fascinating it’s almost unbelievable: the “second brain” in your gut holds the power to shape your emotions, memory, and even your physical resilience. Yes, the neurons in your gut are so abundant that they rival those in your brain!

The connection is profound — and it all starts with what’s on your plate.

Your Gut, Your Destiny

Imagine this: a high-sugar, high-carb diet isn’t just indulgent — it’s a saboteur. It disrupts the delicate balance of gut bacteria, setting the stage for inflammation and paving the way for diseases like dementia, heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. But here’s the good news: you can rewrite this story.

As we’ve discovered in class, shifting to a diet rich in healthy fats and lower in carbohydrates can be transformative. Researchers at the Mayo Clinic have found that this change alone can slash your risk of dementia by an astonishing 80%.

Dr. Perlmutter’s Brain Maker invites us into a culinary revolution, offering recipes that celebrate the diversity of fermented foods like tangy yogurt, fizzy kombucha, and even delightfully quirky pickled eggs. Each bite of these probiotic-rich foods is like planting seeds of wellness in your gut, empowering good bacteria to flourish. And when they thrive, so do you: inflammation decreases, immunity soars and your brain becomes a fortress against decline.

Join Us

This is more than a class—it’s a movement. We are a community united in curiosity, courage, and a commitment to protecting the most precious gift we have: our minds. Each session is a chance to not only learn but also share, support, and grow together.

Your journey toward cognitive health begins with a single step—or perhaps a single bite. Will you take it? For more information about joining LIFTT’s brain health class, contact Eileen Rodriguez, LIFTT’s Nutritional Health Coach/Independent Living Specialist, at (406) 294-5185 or eileenr@liftt.org.

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

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

2024: A year of transformation for LIFTT

A Journey of Resilience, Innovation, and Empowerment

2024 will be remembered as a year that surprised us at every turn — a year of the unexpected. Yet, through its challenges, LIFTT found opportunities to evolve, grow, and transform. Like a river carving its way through stone, we turned obstacles into pathways, guided by our mission to empower individuals with disabilities to live independently and thrive.

This year, we took a monumental step forward by moving into our permanent headquarters at 1241 Crawford Drive, Billings, MT 59102. This new space isn’t just a building — it’s a home for innovation, a sanctuary of advocacy, and a hub for community transformation. Here, ideas take root and lives change.

A Story of Growth and Milestones

The numbers tell a compelling story. Over the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, LIFTT served 853 consumers — a 6.45% increase from the previous year. But we didn’t stop at serving more people; we served better. By refining strategies, expanding staff, and focusing on impactful service goals, we achieved an 87.55% increase in services provided and an astounding 134.78% growth in consumer goals accomplished.

These achievements reflect a deeper truth: LIFTT is a place where aspirations become reality. Our Information and Referrals (I&Rs) rose by 38.62%, a testament to our commitment to being a bridge — connecting individuals to the resources they need to overcome barriers and thrive.

New Programs, New Horizons

In 2024, we launched two groundbreaking programs that embody LIFTT’s spirit of transformation:

The Diabetes Prevention Program: This initiative addresses a growing epidemic, empowering participants with the knowledge and tools to take control of their health. Through education, support, and lifestyle changes, this program is a lifeline for those at risk of diabetes — a chronic condition that, if unmanaged, can feel like a thief stealing quality of life.

The ADA Accessible Rural Transportation Program: Mobility is freedom. Yet, for many in Montana’s rural communities, transportation remains a formidable barrier. This program is a promise: no matter how remote the location, independence is within reach. By creating accessible transit options, we are redefining what it means to connect—to opportunities, to community, to life itself.

These new programs, along with initiatives, like our vaccination clinics and partnerships for digital equity, illustrate the metamorphosis LIFTT has undergone this year. We are not the same organization we were a year ago. We have grown, adapted, and risen to meet the needs of those we serve.

Celebrating Inclusion and Advocacy

July 26, 2024, marked a milestone as we celebrated the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) at our new headquarters. Under the theme of Disability Inclusion Through Transportation, we brought attention to the transformative power of accessible transit. Billings MET Transit’s participation was a powerful reminder that inclusion starts with access.

Our advocacy extended beyond this celebration. We worked with Billings TrailNet to improve trail accessibility and championed initiatives in Dawson and Yellowstone counties to expand access to assistive technologies and health resources. Each effort is a brick in the foundation of a more equitable future.

Looking to 2025 with Hope and Determination

As the year draws to a close, we reflect on what it means to serve, innovate, and belong. LIFTT is here for you—not just as an organization but as a partner in your journey toward independence and inclusion.

2024 has been a year of transformation, but it’s also a year that sets the stage for what’s to come. We wish you a joyful holiday season filled with warmth and peace, and we look forward to a remarkable 2025 — a year where we will continue to rise together, building on the foundation we have laid and reaching even greater heights.

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

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

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Fiesta for Fighters is October 24

LIFTT invites everyone to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month by joining us for “Fiesta for Fighters,” an evening of Latin-based dance fitness classes on Thursday, October 24, from 5-7 p.m. in the community room of the Billings office at 1241 Crawford Drive.

In addition to the dance classes, attendees will hear from inspiring speakers and learn about local support programs, treatment options, and services for those fighting breast cancer from several amazing organizations in Billings.

To accommodate dancers of all abilities and skills, there will be two class sessions:

From 5 to 5:30 p.m., we will have a seated dance class tailored to those preferring lower-impact exercise or dancing from a chair.
We will have a higher-intensity dance class from 6 to 6:30 p.m., perfect for those who want to sweat for the cause!

Wear as much pink as possible, and be ready for our empowering playlist! For more information about this fun, energetic, and uplifting event, contact Anya Pullis at (406) 606-1766 or anyap@liftt.org.

LIFTT would like to thank our partners, including RiverStone Health, Intermountain Health (St. Vincent Regional Hospital), Alpen Glow Physical Therapy, Yellowstone Naturopathic Clinic, The American Cancer Society, and the Billings Family YMCA for helping to make this incredible event possible!

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

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

Annual Meeting is 10/30

The Board of Directors of Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT) will hold its annual meeting on Wednesday, October 30, 2024, beginning at 4 p.m. at the Billings LIFTT office (1241 Crawford Drive). The public is invited to attend and offer comments during the designated public comment period. The purpose of the annual meeting is to elect new board officers for Fiscal Year 2025.

Click here to view or download the agenda for the FY2025 Annual Meeting of the LIFTT Board of Directors (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 people with disabilities with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south-central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for your Apple or Android Device.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.

VOTE on Nov 5 (and every election!)

“The vote is the most powerful instrument ever devised by man for breaking down injustice and destroying the terrible walls which imprison men because they are different from other men.”

Lyndon Johnson

36th President of The United States (1963-1969, Democratic) , Statement on Signing the Voting Rights Act in 1965

“I pledge that as long as I am in a position to uphold the Constitution no barrier would ever come between a secret ballot and the citizen’s right to cast one… The right to vote is the crown jewel of American liberties, and we will not see its luster diminished.”

Ronald Reagan

40th President of the United States (1981-1989, Republican) , Statement on signing the renewal of the Voting Rights Act in 1981

LIFTT encourages everyone to register and vote this and every election season

The 2024 general election is on Tuesday, November 5. Up for grabs are Montana’s electoral college votes for President of the United States, one of Montana’s two United States Senate seats, Montana’s two seats in the US House of Representatives, Governor of Montana, Montana Attorney General, Montana State Auditor, Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction, Montana Secretary of State, all 100 seats in the Montana House of Representatives, 25 of 50 seats in the Montana Senate and numerous local offices.

Voting in an election is one of the most important tools for citizens to determine the course of action their government will take. So, if you want representation in the local community as well as Helena and Washington DC that will reflect your thoughts and beliefs, it is vital that you register to vote and, having done so, cast a ballot. You are qualified to register to vote in Montana if:

You are 18 years old on or before election day
You are a United States Citizen
You have lived in Montana for at least 30 days
You are not a convicted felon serving a sentence in a penal institution (In Montana, those convicted of a felony not actively in jail or prison can vote even if they are out on parole or probation)

To register to vote, contact your local county election office, or you can obtain a voter registration form and the form to receive a ballot in the mail at votemt.gov. The deadline for regular voter registration is October 5. Starting on October 6, through election day, you may register late by going to your county election office or another place designated by your county election administration.

LIFTT can help you Register!

If you need assistance in registering to vote or finding out more about inclusive voting options, such as vote by mail (absentee) and accessibility options at your early voting or election day polling place, LIFTT can help with that! Just give us a call at (406) 259-5181 in Billings or (406) 948-8500 or stop by 1241 Crawford Drive (Billings) or 119 S. Kendrick Avenue (Glendive) during regular office hours M-F 9-5 and a LIFTT team member will be glad to assist you.

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