News - Page 5 of 27

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.

Breakfast and Lunch Program part of DPP

LIFTT Team Members Marilyn Gone and Anya Pulis serve up a Chicken Orzo salad and other healthy goodies during a recent lunch at LIFTT

LIFTT Team Members Marilyn Gone and Anya Pulis served chicken, tomato, pepper, cucumber, orzo salad, and fruits and veggies during a recent lunch at LIFTT in Billings. LIFTT’s Breakfast and Lunch program is now part of our Diabetes Prevention Program.

The Breakfast and Lunch Program at LIFTT’s Billings location is proud to partner with our Diabetes Prevention Program to offer delicious, diabetes-friendly meals and expert guidance on preventing and managing diabetes.

We’re serving more than just meals—we deliver education and support to help you stay healthy! Enjoy a balanced, nutritious breakfast or lunch while learning practical, healthy lifestyle tips. Whether managing diabetes or looking to prevent it, this collaboration is designed to nourish both body and mind.

To find out how to join us for a meal at LIFTT in Billings and take a positive step toward a healthier future, call our office at (406) 259-5181 or message us through our online contact page.

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.

Advancing Digital Equity in Montana

On September 10, LIFTT Executive Director Carlos Ramalho (third from left) traveled to Missoula and participated in a panel discussion on digital equity entitled “Creating Digital Opportunities in Montana,” sponsored by the National Telecommunications & Information Administration. The other panelists included (from left) Dr. Jason Neiffer, Executive Director of the Montana Digital Academy, Jennie Stapp, Montana State Librarian, and Nicole Perisho, Program Director for the Northwest Telehealth Resource Center.

Bridging the Digital Divide

In today’s interconnected world, access to the internet is no longer a luxury but a necessity. However, many individuals, especially those living in rural areas, low-income households, or with disabilities, remain disconnected. This lack of access creates a significant barrier to education, healthcare, employment, and overall participation in society — a divide known as the digital divide. To address this divide, Congress passed the Digital Equity Act, and the President signed it into law. This legislation aims to promote digital inclusion by expanding broadband access, funding digital literacy programs, and ensuring that marginalized communities are not left behind in the digital age.

For Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow (LIFTT), digital equity is not a new priority. Long before the Digital Equity Act was signed into law, LIFTT had already been working to bridge the digital divide in its service area, which spans 18 counties in South Central and Southeastern Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. As a nonprofit dedicated to promoting independence for individuals with disabilities, LIFTT understood that access to technology was crucial for the people they serve, especially those in rural and underserved areas.

Pioneering Digital Inclusion During the Pandemic

LIFTT’s commitment to digital inclusion became especially critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. As public health restrictions limited in-person services and support, LIFTT recognized the urgent need to connect with its service population digitally. LIFTT developed and launched a state-of-the-art ADA-accessible website and mobile app using private grant funding. This digital platform enabled LIFTT to provide resources, support, and community engagement opportunities remotely, ensuring that people with disabilities could access vital services even when physical interactions were limited.

LIFTT’s website and app served as a lifeline during the pandemic, particularly for consumers of its Independent Living, Personal Care Attendant (PCA), and Community Health Worker (CHW) programs. These digital tools also became essential for LIFTT’s broader mission of empowering people with disabilities to live independently, allowing individuals to access information and communicate with staff without barriers.

Yet, despite these advancements, LIFTT faced significant challenges in fully connecting its rural communities. Many residents in Montana’s vast, sparsely populated regions still lacked reliable broadband access, making it difficult for them to take full advantage of LIFTT’s digital platform. Additionally, digital literacy — the ability to use technology effectively — was a major hurdle for many people LIFTT serves. Seniors and individuals with disabilities often need training to navigate online platforms, use telehealth services, or participate in virtual community meetings.

Leveraging the Digital Equity Act for Future Impact

With the passage of the Digital Equity Act, LIFTT is poised to take its digital inclusion efforts to the next level. The Act provides funding for states to develop and implement comprehensive digital equity plans, focusing on expanding broadband access and promoting digital literacy. For LIFTT, this means that federal resources will be available to address the barriers that have long hindered digital access in Montana.

One key area where LIFTT plans to leverage the Digital Equity Act is expanding its digital literacy programs. By teaching individuals how to use technology for everyday needs — such as accessing telehealth services, applying for jobs, or staying in touch with family — LIFTT will empower more people to take full advantage of the digital world. This is particularly important for the rural and disabled populations LIFTT serves, many of whom are still unfamiliar with essential digital tools and services.

LIFTT also envisions becoming a community hub for digital connection. By creating a space where individuals can access computers, tablets, and high-speed internet — similar to an internet café — LIFTT can provide a physical location for those without internet access to get online. Additionally, the Digital Equity Act offers grant opportunities that LIFTT can use to distribute devices like tablets, laptops, and smartphones to those in need, further ensuring that people in its service area have the tools to connect.

Finally, LIFTT aims to help cover the cost of broadband for low-income residents through grants provided by the Digital Equity Act. By making broadband affordable, LIFTT can help eliminate one of the most significant barriers to digital inclusion, ensuring that more people in South Central and Eastern Montana can participate fully in the digital age.

A Pioneer in Digital Inclusion

LIFTT has been a pioneer in promoting digital inclusion long before the Digital Equity Act was enacted. Its innovative use of technology during the COVID-19 pandemic laid the groundwork for a more connected and inclusive future. With the support of the Digital Equity Act, LIFTT is prepared to expand its efforts, ensuring that the people of Montana — especially those who are most vulnerable — have the digital access and skills they need to thrive.

Cheers to the Digital Equity Act and a place for everyone in the digital future under the Big Sky!

Carlos Ramalho, LIFTT Executive Director

September 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.

¡Celebrando el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana!

En LIFTT (Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow), celebramos con orgullo el Mes Nacional de la Herencia Hispana del 15 de septiembre al 15 de octubre. Este mes, honramos la rica cultura, historia y las contribuciones de la comunidad hispana, incluidas las personas con discapacidades.

LIFTT está completamente preparado para ofrecer nuestros servicios de vida independiente en español para asegurarnos de que el idioma nunca sea una barrera para acceder al apoyo que mereces. Nos sentimos orgullosos de servir a nuestros consumidores hispanos con la misma dedicación a la inclusión y empoderamiento que impulsa nuestra misión. Sin importar tu origen o idioma, LIFTT está comprometido a crear un entorno acogedor donde todos puedan prosperar. LIFTT utiliza recursos en español como parte de su iniciativa de divulgación para promover la inclusividad y accesibilidad para personas con discapacidades que hablan español.

Únete a nosotros en la celebración de la diversidad, la inclusión y la fortaleza de nuestras comunidades, mientras seguimos empoderando a las personas con discapacidades para que vivan de manera independiente.

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.

Celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month

LIFTT proudly celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month!

From September 15 to October 15, National Hispanic Heritage Month honors the rich culture, history, and contributions of the Hispanic community, including individuals with disabilities.

LIFTT is fully prepared to provide our independent living services in Spanish to ensure that language is never a barrier to accessing the support you deserve. We are proud to serve our Hispanic consumers with the same dedication to inclusion and empowerment that drives our mission.

LIFTT is committed to creating a welcoming environment where everyone can thrive regardless of background or language. As part of its outreach initiative, LIFTT uses Spanish language resources to promote inclusivity and accessibility for Spanish-speaking individuals with disabilities.

Join us in celebrating diversity, inclusion, and the strength of our communities as we continue to empower people with disabilities to live independently.

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.

New & Improved Donate Page is Live!

We are excited to announce that our new and improved donate page is now available at liftt.org/donate-support. Supporting LIFTT’s mission has never been easier! Follow the on-screen instructions to make a secure donation through PayPal, or click the orange ‘Donate’ button whenever you see it on our website.

Your Impact

By donating to LIFTT, you directly contribute to programs and services that empower individuals with disabilities to live independently and thrive in inclusive and accessible communities across southeastern and south-central Montana. Your support enables us to provide essential resources like home modifications, advocacy, and assistive technology.

Make a Difference Today

Visit liftt.org/donate-support or click the orange ‘Donate’ button on liftt.org to support our cause. Your generosity helps us transform lives. Thank you for being part of our community and helping us create a more inclusive future.

the orange donate button located throughout the liftt website will take you to the new & improved donate page!

The new & improved donation page (see below) is just a click away from anywhere you see the orange button on 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.