Federal Funding Freeze Update

January 29, 2025

Subject: Important Update on LIFTT Services

Dear LIFTT Consumers,

We are reaching out to share an important update regarding our programs and services. Recently, the Federal Administration froze federal funding for our Independent Living Program, including resources already appropriated by Congress. This decision has created uncertainty and directly impacts on our ability to serve our communities.

At this time, it is uncertain whether the PCA (Personal Care Assistant) Program will not be affected. However, funding for all other programs has already been suspended. As a result, we regret to inform you that LIFTT must temporarily suspend the Breakfast and Lunch Program, as well as all travel-related services, until further notice. To reduce payroll and utility expenses, we may reduce the hours of our Independent Living Specialists to Monday through Friday, from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Please know this decision was not made lightly, and we remain committed to advocating for the swift resolution of this funding freeze. We encourage you to join us in making your voice heard by contacting your representatives and urging them to take action to restore this critical funding. Together, we can make a difference.

Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We are optimistic that, with our collective efforts, we will overcome this challenge and resume full service soon.

If you have any questions or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us at (406) 259-5181.

Warm regards,

Carlos A. Ramalho, Executive Director

LIFTT – Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow

www.liftt.org

1241 Crawford Drive, Billings, MT 59102

Email carlosr@liftt.org

Telephone (406) 259-5181

Facsimile (406) 259-5259

Direct (406) 294-5190

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.