Editor’s Note: LIFTT’s overall success is measured in large part by the success of consumers and peers in achieving their individual goals. When a consumer or peer successfully completes a goal, their IL specialist, PCA facilitator, or Peer Program Coordinator writes up a “success story.” It is our privilege and pleasure to share some of them with you from time to time
Consumer Success Story: Clarissa L.
Clarissa L. is a 27-year-old woman recently released from her job and lives with her fiancé. Clarissa stated that her primary disability is Alcohol abuse. She also said she has ADD/ADHD, Bipolar, depression, and PTSD. Clarissa’s goal was to go to a treatment facility. She would like assistance with filing for Medicaid. She would also like to explore career options, create a resume, find employment once she is out of treatment, and complete a LIEAP application.
Since coming to LIFTT, Clarissa has received assistance to apply for Medicaid from her IL Specialist. Still, after the application, she decided to get married to her fiancé and utilize his insurance to pay for alcohol treatment. She went for treatment, but before she left, she asked if she could call her IL Specialist for support while she was there. The IL Specialist wholeheartedly agreed.
Once Clarissa returned from treatment, she came to the office and surprised her IL Specialist. The IL Specialist observed that Clarissa looked healthier and happier than she seemed before leaving for treatment. The IL Specialist assisting her helped her look for jobs and gave advice on what local businesses were hiring. The IL Specialist provided much support for Clarissa before, during, and after treatment, for which Clarissa expressed her appreciation and gratitude several times.
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.