On the job training

Years ago, having been supplied with a plethora of information and resources to tackle the particular problem they were seeking assistance with, a LIFTT consumer told their IL specialist, “You guys at LIFTT are like a human Google, you know everything.” Well, we don’t know everything, but we are always learning. LIFTT team members across all our departments are constantly attending training and continuing education events, with an eye toward bringing back to the agency information that will empower and support the consumers we serve. Here, Nutritional Health Coach Eileen Rodrigiuz and Independent Living Specialist Erin Culp share about the trainings they have or will soon be attending

Eileen:

LIFTT Nutritional Health Coach Eileen Rodriguez

As a lifelong learner, I find it exciting to attend training sessions that provide additional tools and resources to better support people navigating health challenges such as cognitive decline.

This spring, I have the opportunity to attend a workshop in White Sulphur Springs hosted by Kyla Rock, the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Program Manager in Helena. The focus on brain health, including hands-on experience with dual-task activities offered at the Senior Center, will give me ideas to use in the classes offered at LIFTT.

Throughout the year, I have participated in the Nutrition & Physical Activity work group, which collaborates on ways to fulfill Montana’s CDC Building Our Largest Dementia (BOLD) grant. Meeting in person in White Sulphur will allow us to have more time to share ideas and better align our efforts to serve our communities.

The growing interest in Tai Chi classes at LIFTT encourages me to continue expanding my skills as an instructor. Attending Dr. Lam’s Tai Chi for Diabetes training in May will be a nice addition as we prepare for our next Diabetes Prevention class, which starts on June 4.

These continued learning opportunities help ensure that the programs we offer are thoughtful, effective, and truly responsive to the needs of the people we serve.

Through ongoing education and collaboration, we can continue to grow and provide classes that support health, independence, and quality of life.

Erin:

LIFTT IL Specialist Erin Culp

Working in a place that really values learning and growth makes a big difference. The more I learn, the better I can show up for the people we serve, and LIFTT has given me some great opportunities to keep building my skills.

In May, I’ll attend the Staying Active and Independent for Life Leaders’ training, where I’ll learn to lead strength and balance classes. I’m looking forward to helping people feel more confident in their independence and reduce their risk (and fear) of falling. I’ll also be attending Diabetes Prevention Program training. Once I complete that, I’ll be able to support individuals who are prediabetic by helping them make realistic, lasting lifestyle changes to lower their risk of developing diabetes.

I really appreciate that LIFTT supports ongoing learning like this. It’s helped me grow professionally and given me more tools to make a real difference in the lives of the people I work with. I started as an Independent Living Specialist, and after the upcoming training, I will be a new Health & Wellness Coach!

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 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.

You can donate to LIFTT by clicking here.