With New Challenges Comes New Strength and Vision
There’s something remarkable about resilience in the face of adversity. It doesn’t just help us withstand storms — it provides opportunity for transformation.
Over the past few months, LIFTT has faced significant challenges. A funding freeze, bureaucratic uncertainty, and an unexpected disruption to the resources we rely on shook the foundation of our work. It was a moment of deep concern for our team and the thousands of individuals and families we serve across Southcentral and Eastern Montana.
But today, we are thrilled to announce that our funding is flowing again. The misunderstandings that led to the temporary crisis have been clarified, and we are once again fully equipped to provide the services and support that empower people with disabilities to live independently.
However, this experience was not just a hurdle to overcome — it was an invitation to reflect, rethink, and transform.
Rethinking Who We Are and What We Do
Rather than simply returning to “business as usual,” we at LIFTT are embracing this as a critical moment for growth. This challenge reminded us of why we exist and how essential our work is. It inspired us to ask bold questions:
- How can we serve our communities even better?
- What new opportunities can we explore to expand accessibility and inclusion?
- How can we ensure that funding disruptions never again threaten the lifeline of independent living services?
As a result, we are launching an internal transformation process that invites innovation, creativity, and strategic planning. We are exploring new funding streams, strengthening our advocacy efforts, and expanding partnerships to build a more resilient future.
Gratitude and Forward Momentum
None of this would be possible without the unwavering support of our community. Thank you to those who stood by us, advocated for us, and reminded policymakers of the essential role independent living centers play in the lives of people with disabilities. Your voices made a difference.
With funding restored, our programs are fully operational, and we are moving forward with renewed determination. Peer support, advocacy, skills training, transition services, and so much more are once again available to those relying on LIFTT.
But we are not just rebuilding — we are reimagining. This experience has sparked a renewed commitment to growth, inclusion, and transformation.
The Road Ahead
We invite you to walk alongside us as we enter this new chapter. Whether you are a consumer, advocate, policymaker, or ally, your support is invaluable. Please stay connected with us, join our advocacy efforts, and let us continue to work together to ensure a future where people with disabilities have full access to the resources, opportunities, and dignity they deserve.
We are LIFTT—Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow. Today, we move forward stronger than ever. For updates and ways to get involved, visit www.liftt.org or call us at (406) 259-5181.
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
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.