News - Page 15 of 41

Nourishing Community with Breakfast & Lunch @LIFTT

LIFTT team member Jocelyn Vincent cooking breakfast

Under the leadership of Jocelyn Vincent, the LIFTT Breakfast and Lunch Program serves about 50 meals each weekday to consumers and LIFTT team members.

We’re excited to announce that LIFTT has launched a Breakfast and Lunch Program at our Billings office to provide nutritious meals to our consumers and dedicated team members. Every weekday, under the leadership of the talented Jocelyn Vincent and our kitchen crew, we serve about 50 meals between breakfast and lunch.

A big thank you to the folks at Franz Bakery’s Billings location for their continuing contributions of bread and other items to this program since its start in April 2024. Their support has been instrumental in making this initiative a reality.

Want to help out?

While any donation to the Breakfast and Lunch Program will be welcomed, our kitchen crew has a list of items they are on the lookout for:

LIFTT Kitchen Crew Wish List

Dutch ovens
Fry pans of varying depths and sizes
Pots of varying depths and sizes (we already have 32 quarts)
Three (3) more 9×13 casserole dishes
Two (2) big cookie sheets

If you can donate any of these items to our breakfast and lunch program, please get in touch with us at (406) 259-5181 or liftt.org/contact. Thank you for helping us nourish our community!

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.

Director’s Corner: Inclusion Through Transportation

LIFTT Director Carlos Ramalho steps off a Billings MET Transit Bus. Inclusion through Transportation is the theme of this year’s LIFTT ADA Anniversary Celebration, which will be held from 11 to 3 on Friday, July 26.

Equal access to public and private transportation systems for older adults and people with disabilities is vital for enabling these groups to participate fully in society, accessing employment, education, healthcare, and social activities. It is in recognition of this vitality that LIFTT has chosen “Aging and Disability Inclusion through Transportation” as the theme for our celebration of the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act on July 26.

What does an accessible transportation system look like? As the center for independent living (CIL) for Southeast and South-Central Montana, how does LIFTT contribute to making inclusive transportation a reality? What are the advantages of including people with disabilities and older adults in the transportation system? I hope you will read on as this article explores these questions and perhaps feel compelled to share your own thoughts and ideas with us here at LIFTT. I also hope to see all of you at the ADA celebration on Friday July 26, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at our Billings office (1241 Crawford Drive).

What does an accessible transportation system look like?

Physical Accessibility

Transportation Facilities Locations such as bus stops, train stations and airports, must be designed to accommodate older adults and people with disabilities. This includes features like ramps, elevators, wide doorways, and tactile paving.
Planes, Trains & Automobiles Whatever the mode of transportation, vehicles should be equipped with low floors, ramps, wheelchair spaces, and appropriate seating to ensure ease of use for everyone.

Information Accessibility

Real-Time Information Providing accessible information about schedules, routes, and delays through multiple formats is crucial. Audio announcements, visual displays, and digital applications help ensure that everyone can access the information they need.
Wayfinding Clear and accessible signage, braille, and audio guidance systems help individuals navigate transportation systems more effectively. This is particularly important for those with visual or cognitive impairments.

Accessibility of Services and Policies

Training for Staff Transportation staff should be educated in how to assist older adults and individuals with disabilities effectively and respectfully. Training programs can help staff understand the specific needs of these groups and how best to support them.
Policies Implementing policies that prioritize and protect the rights of older adults and individuals with disabilities ensure they are not discriminated against and receive the necessary support. This includes ensuring compliance with regulations and promoting inclusive practices.
Stakeholder Engagement in Policymaking Involving older adults and people with disabilities in the planning and decision-making processes for transportation projects ensures their needs are considered. This collaborative approach leads to more effective and inclusive solutions.
Accessible Technology and Innovation Incorporating technologies such as mobile apps for ride-sharing services that are accessible to older adults and people with various disabilities can greatly enhance mobility options. Additionally, research and development into autonomous vehicles and the use of wheelchairs aboard airliners can provide new opportunities for independent travel.

How does LIFTT contributes to making the inclusion of the aging and disabled in Transportation a reality?

Advocacy and Awareness LIFTT can advocate for the rights of older adults and people with disabilities by engaging with policymakers and transportation authorities to ensure inclusive practices are implemented. Raising awareness about the importance of accessible transportation is a key part of this advocacy. LIFTT can also support people with disabilities and older adults as they engage in self-advocacy for their transportation needs.
Community Engagement By involving older adults and individuals with disabilities in discussions and feedback sessions regarding transportation needs and improvements, LIFTT ensures their voices are heard and their needs are met.
Education and Training LIFTT can provide training programs for transportation staff to ensure they understand and can effectively support the needs of aging individuals and those with disabilities. This training can improve the overall quality of service.
Support Services LIFTT can assist with navigating transportation options, including providing resources and guidance on accessible routes and services. This support can make a significant difference in the daily lives of those who rely on transportation services.
Technology Integration By collaborating with tech developers, LIFTT can help create and promote the use of accessible transportation technologies, ensuring they meet the needs of the community. This integration can lead to more innovative and effective solutions.
Partnerships Partnering with transportation providers, LIFTT can help design and implement accessible transportation solutions tailored to the needs of older adults and people with disabilities. These partnerships can enhance the overall accessibility of transportation systems.

What are the benefits of Aging and Disability Inclusion in Transportation?

Enhanced Mobility Inclusion efforts lead to greater independence and ease of movement for older adults and individuals with disabilities, allowing them to navigate their communities more freely.
Social Integration Increased opportunities for social interaction and community participation result from accessible transportation options. This integration helps reduce isolation and promotes a sense of belonging.
Economic Participation Better access to employment opportunities and economic activities is a key benefit of inclusive transportation. It enables individuals to contribute to and benefit from the economy.
Improved Quality of Life Overall, the quality of life is enhanced by reducing isolation and increasing access to essential services. Inclusive transportation ensures that everyone has the opportunity to participate fully in society.

Aging and disability inclusion through transportation is a multifaceted approach that requires collaboration between government agencies, transportation providers, community organizations, and the individuals directly affected. LIFTT’s is committed to being involved in these process so that we can join in significantly enhance the effectiveness of these efforts and ensure that transportation systems are truly inclusive and accessible for everyone. If you have a transportation accessibility issue or would like to join others in advocating for inclusive transportation options, please give us a call at (406) 259-5181 or visit our website at liftt.org

See you at the ADA celebration on July 26!

Carlos Ramalho, Executive Director

July 2024

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.

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Heroes

All of us at Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT) extend our deepest gratitude to the incredible volunteers and businesses who came to our aid during the critical months of March, April, and May. Faced with the devastation of flooding at our old office, we were overwhelmed by the outpouring of support that enabled us to recover and transition to our new home at 1241 Crawford Drive, Billings, MT 59102.

Your unwavering dedication and generosity exemplify the spirit of community and compassion. Each act of kindness, whether large or small, played a pivotal role in our recovery. Volunteers worked tirelessly, often going above and beyond, to ensure our operations continued smoothly. Local businesses offered resources, expertise, and financial support, demonstrating a remarkable commitment to our mission.

LIFTT would not have weathered the storm without your collective efforts. You have helped us rebuild our physical space and reinforced our faith in the power of community. Your contributions have ensured we can continue empowering individuals with disabilities to live independently and thrive.

Thank you for standing by us during this challenging time. Your support has made all the difference, and we are forever grateful for the hand you extended to lift us up. We have proven that when a community comes together, there is no obstacle too great to overcome.

Among those, we wish to give special thanks:

Jeff Stock and the crew at Elk Ridge Electric
TCT BluePrint: Nikki Nardacci and Maris Warfel
Entre Technology Services: Ben Holden, Corey Forest, Guy Wilkenson, Craig Burke, Brandon Redfern, Chas Llewellyn, Kyle McClain, The Service Desk Team, and all of the other technicians and engineers who assisted LIFTT
AmeriClean: Dakota Smith and Mike Nelson
Par Pacific: Dan Carter & the team at the Par Montana Refinery
Stonerock Business Solutions: Amanda Stonerock
Narrator Creative Consulting: Hannah Olson
SignPro: Michael Taylor and Mark Lynde
Lowe’s
Sherwin-Williams
Northern Star Painting & Dry Wall, Fairbanks, Alaska: William Fogelman and Aimee Fogelman
Zacharias Hernandez
Micheal Harris
Michael Cecala
Nick Hafla
Jimi Brow
Jessica Singer
Dakota Shaffer
Joseph Mook

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.

Restructuring of the IL program underway

June 17, 2024

Dear Valued Consumers,

Over the next couple of months, we will be restructuring our independent living program as part of our continuous effort to provide the best possible services to our community.

What is the Restructuring Process?

The restructuring process involves changing and improving our program to enhance efficiency, service delivery, and overall effectiveness. A key part of this process includes recruiting, hiring, and training new individuals who will serve as Independent Living Specialists. These changes aim to ensure that we can offer you the highest quality of independent living services.

What Does This Mean for You?

During this period of restructuring, you may experience delays in our services as we work diligently to complete this restructuring. We anticipate that things will slow down for at least one month. We understand that this may cause some inconvenience, and we sincerely apologize for any disruption this may cause.

Your Patience is Appreciated

We kindly ask for your patience and understanding as we navigate this transition. Our goal is to create a stronger, more efficient program that better serves the needs of our community. We are confident that these improvements will greatly benefit our consumers in the long run.

We are here to support you and ensure your needs are met to the best of our ability. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or need further assistance during this period. You can call us at (406) 259-5181 or email us through our contact page.

The LIFTT team thanks you for your continued trust and support.

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.

IL Team training set for next week

We are thrilled to announce that Jen Hawkinson, LIFTT’s Glendive Regional Manager and Senior Independent Living Specialist, will spend the week of June 17, 2024, in Billings!

Jen will lead our Independent Living Program Team in invaluable training to refresh, innovate, and improve our IL services. This training is part of a broader initiative focused on enhancing the support all of our programs provide to the aging and disabled population we proudly serve.

We are very happy with Jen’s visit and look forward to its positive impact on LIFTT and the community!

As much of the week for our IL specialists will be spent in training, we ask that Consumers and those reaching out for IL services be patient. Our response times may be a bit slower, but rest assured that we will respond to your calls, emails, and other messages as soon as 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.

LIFTT Launches Diabetes Prevention & Management Program

Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow (LIFTT) is pleased to announce the launch of a brand-new Diabetes Prevention and Management (DPM) Program.

The DPM Program is a testament to our commitment to the health and well-being of the community and the individuals we serve and is designed to prevent and manage diabetes. It aims to improve the quality of life for the aging and disabled population in our service area by providing free nutrition education. We believe in empowering you to know why your food choices matter, enhancing your independence and vitality.

To undertake the DPM program, LIFTT plans to hire a team of Nutrition Health Coaches who will act as an educational resource, bringing science-based nutrition education and training to LIFTT’s consumers and the communities of LIFTT’s service area. The Nutrition Health Coach will offer educational opportunities in several ways, including conducting classes, holding private coaching sessions, participating in community outreach, writing articles for publication, and creating social media content. Through these efforts, The Nutrition Health Coaches will play an essential role in LIFTT’s commitment to promoting the health and well-being of our community and empowering the individuals we serve to thrive.

We invite you to learn more about LIFTT’s Diabetes Prevention and Management Program. For detailed information, please reach out to our dedicated team at (406) 259-5181. We look forward to your active participation in this journey towards better health and well-being.

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 Board of Directors will meet June 6

The LIFTT Board of Directors will meet on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 4 p.m. in the board room of the Billings LIFTT office at 1241 Crawford Drive. The public is invited to attend and offer comments during the public comment period.

Click here to view or download the meeting agenda for the June 6, 2024, 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 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.

Director’s Corner: Adapt to Move Forward

Executive director Carlos Ramalho writes that LIFTT has shown and needs to continue to show the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.

LIFTT’s work on behalf of the aging and disabled population of South-Central and Southeastern Montana is a unique blend of technical and adaptive approaches. Our technical prowess is evident in our use of existing legislation such as the US and Montana Constitutions, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Rehab Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Workforce, Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), policies and procedures, protocols, expertise, know-how, and best practices to tackle daily practical and methodological challenges. However, it is our adaptive nature that truly sets us apart. We thrive when facing challenges that demand innovation, creativity, flexibility, and thinking outside the box. These adaptive challenges are a constant in our ever-changing world, where rapid change necessitates continuous learning and adaptation. Whether technical or adaptive, it is for the sake of the communities we serve.

Adaptive challenges are situations in which solutions lie outside the daily routine. They are unique and require LIFTTs to think outside the box. We know we are dealing with an adaptive challenge when applying existing procedures, and know-how does not provide the solution needed. A clear example of an adaptive challenge is the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced LIFTT to do things differently because it turned everything upside down. Another example of the adaptive challenge was the disaster (pipe bursting flooding) LIFTT experienced in March 2024.

LIFTT’s approach to solving adaptive challenges is rooted in collaboration. We believe the best solutions are not confined to our team’s expertise or daily routine. Instead, we actively involve the individuals and communities we serve in developing and implementing creative and innovative solutions. This inclusive approach to problem-solving is a testament to LIFTT’s belief that effective adaptive solutions can only be found through a combination of adaptive and technical work.

Gone are the days when independent living challenges were only technical. LIFTT’s team must adapt to solve challenges that do not have easy solutions and know that the solutions do not come from their technical expertise but rather from a process of learning and adapting, which is the key to moving the collaborative group in a positive direction. An excellent example of collaboration is the recent migrant to Electronic Visit Verification (EVV), a new system implemented by Montana Medicaid to increase productivity, reduce personal care assistants’ time writing timesheets, and allow for more time to devote to the person they care for.

We believe that LIFTT has faced enough adaptive challenges and evolved to learn new ways of thinking, doing, and being so that we do not risk extinction. It is not productive to consider adaptive work as involving loss. We recommend viewing it as an opportunity to develop new competencies, experiment, risk, and time. Because of these factors, LIFTT decided to adapt and lead our partners, consumers, and communities into investing in the future of independent living.

The resistance to adapt that we tend to deal with is the resistance to loss. Humans tend to fear the unknown and lose what is essential to them. In adaptive work, however, we must try new and different solutions. Inherent in adaptive work is the need to become comfortable with not knowing the next move. There is also the issue of allowing time for adaptive solutions to have an effect and not reacting too quickly to the discomfort that comes with not knowing.

We extend you a warm invitation to join us in our adaptive adventure. Your unique perspectives and contributions can help us navigate the complex landscape of adaptive challenges, and together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of the communities we serve.

Thank you,

Carlos Ramalho, Executive Director

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.

Vicki Larson inaugurates LIFTT’s new art gallery

Vicki Larson is the inaugural artist to exhibit in a gallery space in the reception area of our new Billings location. LIFTT celebrates the role that the fine arts play in helping people with disabilities live independent lives to their full potential and plans to use the space to feature rotating exhibits of works by local disabled artists. If you are a disabled artist interested in having your work on display at LIFTT, you can message us through our contact page, and a LIFTT team member will be in touch.

About the Artist

Artist Vicki Larson (left) with her great granddaughter Penny

Watercolorist Vicki Larsen, seen at left with her great-granddaughter Penny, is the inaugural artist to exhibit in the new gallery space at LIFTT’s Billings office.

Vicki Larson is a vibrant and creative artist who lives with a sense of adventure and a passion for art. Despite being disabled with kidney disease, she never lets her condition hold her back from pursuing her artistic dreams.

Vicki’s favorite medium is watercolor, which she uses to create beautiful and vibrant paintings that capture the essence of nature and the world around her. She also loves experimenting with multimedia, stamping, and combining different textures and materials to create unique and striking art pieces.

Despite her disability, Vicki is always determined to push herself creatively and explore new techniques and styles. She spends hours in her studio, lost in the world of her art, as she pours her heart and soul into each piece she creates.

Vicki’s story inspires many, showing that anything is possible with passion, determination, and a love for art. She has proved that even in the face of adversity, creativity knows no bounds and that art has the power to transcend any obstacles in its path. Vicki Larson is a true artist in every sense of the word, a creative force to be reckoned with, and an inspiration to all who know her.

Examples of Vicki’s work can be seen in the photo gallery below. To view the full exhibit, stop by the reception area of our Billings office at 1241 Crawford Drive during regular business hours (M-F, 9-5).

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.

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New Office Hours for LIFTT begin May 28

Dear Friends,

To better serve our consumers and the community, LIFTT has changed its hours of operation. Starting May 28, 2024, our new office hours at our Billings and Glendive locations will be Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Thank you for the opportunity to provide you with independent living services. If you have questions about our new office hours or LIFTT’s services, please feel free to reach out at (406) 259-5181 (Billings), (406) 948-8500 (Glendive), or through our contact page.

Thanks for your support and cooperation,

The Team @ 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 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.