As we look back on Fiscal Year 2025, ending on September 30, 2025, one word isn’t enough to capture the spirit of our journey. This year at Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT) has been challenging, active, demanding, and ultimately, full of growth.
Across Montana and the nation, human service organizations are navigating rising costs and uncertain funding. Yet through it all, LIFTT has remained steadfast in our mission: empowering people with disabilities and older adults to live independently, with dignity and choice.
Highlights of the Year
New Programs: This was a pivotal year marked by the launch of several key initiatives, including the Diabetes Prevention Program, the Wellness Program, the Vocational Rehabilitation Program, and the Money Follows the Person program. Each strengthens LIFTT’s ability to diversify services while staying true to our mission.
ADA Anniversary Celebration: On July 26, 2025, we hosted Montana’s largest celebration of the 35th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Over 800 people joined us, alongside 31 vendors, in a day filled with joy, energy, and community pride.
Building Accessibility Improvements: Our Billings headquarters now features fully automatic west and east entrances. Upcoming priorities include installing an elevator and remodeling restrooms to meet ADA standards, ensuring that our building reflects our commitment to accessibility.
Technology Modernization: LIFTT is preparing for cloud migration, a step that will reduce costs, improve efficiency, and allow staff greater access to the tools they need to serve our consumers.
Transportation Milestones: With support from the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) and the National Aging and Disability Transportation Center (NADTC), we’ve laid the groundwork for an ADA-accessible rural transportation program. This service will expand mobility options across our 18-county service area and promises to be a future revenue-generating program for sustainability.
Looking Ahead
Despite financial uncertainties, this year has proven that challenges can inspire creativity. From launching new programs to celebrating the ADA, LIFTT has continued to stand strong for and with the communities we serve. We move forward into Fiscal Year 2026 with confidence, commitment, and gratitude for everyone who walks this path with us: consumers, staff, partners, and supporters.
Onward into the Future,
Carlos A. Ramalho, Executive Director, Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (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 aging and disabled members of the community with programs and services that help empower them to break down the physical, bureaucratic, and cultural barriers that prevent them from being fully independent participants in their lives and communities throughout 18 counties in southeastern and south-central Montana: Big Horn, Carbon, Carter, Custer, Dawson, Fallon, Garfield, Golden Valley, McCone, Musselshell, Powder River, Prairie, Richland, Rosebud, Stillwater, Treasure, Wibaux, and Yellowstone. For more information, please visit liftt.org or download our mobile app for your Apple or Android Device.
Our Vision: Empowering aging and disabled individuals to LIFTT themselves above the barriers of life.
Our Mission: Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow – LIFTT’s mission is to empower aging and disabled individuals to live independently through education, support, and opportunities.