LIFTT encourages you to get the COVID-19 Vaccine and can help make it happen

Dear Consumers and Friends of LIFTT,

The team here at Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow would like to encourage everyone who is eligible and medically qualified to as soon as possible get a COVID-19 vaccine. Getting all who are able vaccinated against COVID-19 is a critical step in moving our communities, state, nation, and the world out of the darkest days of the last year.

The COVID-19 vaccines being given out by local health departments and other medical providers in our communities are safe and effective and completely free of charge! Visit vaccines.gov to find a location in your area and information about how to make an appointment. You can also find vaccination site information by texting your zip code to 438829 or by calling (800) 232-0233.

If you are a person with a disability and you need assistance in finding a vaccine location near you, making an appointment, getting to a vaccination site, or face other barriers; LIFTT can help you navigate the process. Please give us a call at (406) 259-5181, or send us a message at liftt.org/contact.

For more information about how COVID-19 vaccines work, what vaccines are available for their safety, general side effects, and who can get vaccinated visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html. If you have specific questions about your medical situation and the COVID-19 vaccine please reach out to your health care provider.

If you already gotten the vaccine or arranged to do so, Thank you for stepping up to protect yourself your families friends, and your communities! Vaccinated individuals can check out https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html. If you are interested in sharing your experience getting the shot on social media checks out the “Share your Shot: campaign from The National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities.

Stay Safe & Healthy,

The Team at LIFTT

April 2021 Newsletter: Director’s Corner

Editor’s Note: A version of this article appears in the April 2021 LIFTT Connection Newsletter

At LIFTT, we tell consumers that when we deal with difficult moments, it is important to keep fighting and remembering that any challenge can be overcome if we do not give up!

It feels good to defeat challenges such as sickness, distress, sadness, and disabilities, by moving forward. We have seen it happen at LIFTT. I have personally faced many challenges. including illness, distress, sadness, and disabilities.

However, I persevered, moved forward, and did not allow my disabilities to prevent me from living, getting up in the morning to go to work, drive, and communicate.

All of us at LIFTT understand the importance of perseverance.

Recently, I was infected with COVID-19 and suffered complications from the virus.

It was a difficult recovery. My life was at risk because of   underlying health issues. However, after a few weeks, I recovered, returned to work, and succeeded in preventing COVID-19 from breaking me.

What helped my recovery was remembering what we tell LIFTT’s consumers:” If we fall, we have to get back up, keep walking, and moving forward, one step at a time.”  This is how we successfully reach our destination. LIFTT is here to get back up and keep walking with anyone who is dealing with any types of disabilities.

Our compassionate team of highly qualified specialists, facilitators, and peers will share with you their experiences, and inspire you to overcome challenges, sickness, distress, sadness, and disabilities.

Give us a chance to help you find a new direction for your future.

Carlos Ramalho, Executive Director

Looking to schedule a first COVID-19 vaccination?

For residents of Yellowstone County, there are two ways you can make your appointment to get your first COVID-19 vaccine at the Unified Health Command clinic at Metra Park’s Cedar Hall 

Phone: Call (406) 406.651.6596 and ask to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination.   

Online: Go to mtreadyclinic.org and click on the blue button that says: Find a Clinic. Scrolling down, information for each Cedar Hall vaccination clinic scheduled for next week is listed. If the clinics are not listed, type “Metra” into the location search and follow the onscreen instruction to complete registration.  

Your appointment for the second COVID-19 vaccination will be scheduled at the time of your first vaccination. 

For more detailed information about the COVID-19 vaccine and its distribution visit covid.riverstonehealth.org or contact your medical provider.   

LIFTT Staff to work remotely from October 7

In response to the recent rise in Covid-19 cases in Yellowstone County and the surrounding area, starting October 7, 2020, with exception of the management team, the staff of Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT), will be working remotely. 

This period of remote work will run through the close of business on Friday November 6, 2020 at which time LIFTT will reevaluate the situation and make further determinations regarding our operations. Updates will be posted to our website, Facebook and Twitter pages as they become available.

During this period of remote work, LIFTT staff will be, during regular business hours, continue to provide services via phone, email, fax, and other technology. We will monitor and respond to all voice messages and emails to LIFTT in a timely manner.

LIFTT is taking these actions out of an abundance of caution for the health and safety of our staff, consumers and the community. We thank you for your ongoing support and understanding. 

The LIFTT staff and board assure you that during this challenging time LIFTT remains committed to our mission of empowering persons with disabilities to “LIFTT” themselves over the barriers of life.

Click here for a directory of a complete directory of LIFTT Staff.

August 2020 Newsletter: Responding to COVID-19

Editor’s Note: A version of this article appears in the August 2020 LIFTT Connection Newsletter

Weathering the pandemic is difficult for all humans, but for disabled people, it can often be devastating.

Carlos Ramalho, executive director of Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow (LIFTT) said, “in many cases, people with disabilities face a greater negative impact during challenging world-wide events.” Normally, LIFTT  hosts classes, counseling sessions, and peer groups, on site, but as a safety precaution, the office remains closed. LIFTT is committed to serving disabled individuals and their families in all ways possible during this crisis.

Through the CARES Act, the federal government awarded LIFTT a major grant  which specifically targets individuals and families who are experiencing difficulties due to COVID-19. A portion of LIFTT’s grant was used to assemble kits carrying cleaning disinfectants, hygiene products and face masks. Funds also are available for a variety of expenses, including financial assistance to clients to cover household expenses such as rent, utilities, and access  to technology.

To access these funds, applicants must go through LIFTT’s information and referral process. Recipients can only receive COVID-19 funds once. The  funds must be distributed by September 30, 2021, and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Please contact LIFTT at (406) 259-5181 or via our website at liftt.org/contact to discuss the application process and whether you and/or your family are eligible.

August 2020 Newsletter: Online Wellness Classes to Combat Isolation and Loneliness During Pandemic

Editor’s Note: A version of this article appears in the August 2020 LIFTT Connection Newsletter 

As in person classes and groups that many rely on remain suspended;The Independent Living Research Utilization’s IL Net and the Partners in Care Foundation have teamed up to provide access to several online wellness programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs offered include:

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
Participate in low-impact exercises and gentle activities to help increase joint flexibility and range of motion, and to help maintain muscle strength. Sessions take place for 1 hour twice per week for 6 weeks. All you need is an internet-connected device with a camera to participate.

Bingocize
Try Bingocize at home to exercise and connect with others! It’s a 10-week online health promotion program combining Bingo with fall prevention exercises and health education. Bingo games are twice per week for 1 hour. All you need is an internet-connected device to get the fun started. (English only)

Chronic Pain Self-Management Program
If you or someone you love is dealing with ongoing pain, this workshop is for you. Workshop participants report less pain, more energy, and improved independence! This is an online workshop with 2 ½-hour sessions, once per week, for 6 weeks. All you need is an internet-connected device to participate.

Diabetes Self-Management Program
If you or someone you care for has diabetes, you know it can feel like it’s taking over your life. But there are things you can do to feel better and take control of your health! This online workshop has 2 ½-hour sessions, once per week, for 6 weeks. All you need is an internet-connected device to participate.

Healthier Living
This program teaches practical everyday skills like problem-solving, nutritious eating, and relaxation techniques that help those living with chronic conditions. This online workshop consists of 2 ½-hour sessions, once per week for 6 weeks. All you need is an internet-connected device to participate.

Healthier Living Tool Kit
Know someone without access to a computer or internet that would benefit from learning more about Healthier Living? This workshop is for them! Participants receive a mailed tool kit that walks them through information focused on better managing their health. They participate through small group phone calls for 30 minutes, once per week, for 6 weeks. All they need to participate is a phone.

Diabetes Self-Management Tool Kit
If you know someone who would like to better manage their diabetes but doesn’t have access to the internet, this workshop may be a good fit for them! Participants receive a mailed tool kit with tools to manage diabetes and participate in small group phone calls for 30 minutes, once per week, for 6 weeks. All they need to participate is a phone. Available starting in late May.

Diabetes Prevention Program
Do you have a diagnosis from your physician of prediabetes? Good news! Prediabetes can be reversed. Through this program access a personal health coach and meet with a small group to get tips and support on how to make healthier food choices, be more active, and lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. This is a 1-year online workshop with 1-hour sessions (16 weekly meetings plus 2 biweekly and 8 monthly meetings). All you need is the internet, a connected device and a diagnosis of prediabetes from your physician to participate.

There is no charge for these programs. To learn more or register for one of these classes call Partners Community Wellness at: 818-403-5452, send email to: ebprograms@picf.org or visit https://www.picf.org/online-wellness-programs/

Staying Healthy While Staying Safe at Home with ILRU & Partners in Care

As in person classes and groups that many rely on remain suspended;The Independent Living Research Utilization’s IL Net and the Partners in Care Foundation have teamed up to provide access to several online wellness programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Programs offered include:

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program
Participate in low-impact exercises and gentle activities to help increase joint flexibility and range of motion, and to help maintain muscle strength. Sessions take place for 1 hour twice per week for 6 weeks. All you need is an internet-connected device with a camera to participate.

Bingocize
Try Bingocize at home to exercise and connect with others! It’s a 10-week online health promotion program combining Bingo with fall prevention exercises and health education. Bingo games are twice per week for 1 hour. All you need is an internet-connected device to get the fun started. (English only)

Chronic Pain Self-Management Program
If you or someone you love is dealing with ongoing pain, this workshop is for you. Workshop participants report less pain, more energy, and improved independence! This is an online workshop with 2 ½-hour sessions, once per week, for 6 weeks. All you need is an internet-connected device to participate.

Diabetes Self-Management Program
If you or someone you care for has diabetes, you know it can feel like it’s taking over your life. But there are things you can do to feel better and take control of your health! This online workshop has 2 ½-hour sessions, once per week, for 6 weeks. All you need is an internet-connected device to participate.

Healthier Living
This program teaches practical everyday skills like problem-solving, nutritious eating, and relaxation techniques that help those living with chronic conditions. This online workshop consists of 2 ½-hour sessions, once per week for 6 weeks. All you need is an internet-connected device to participate.

Healthier Living Tool Kit
Know someone without access to a computer or internet that would benefit from learning more about Healthier Living? This workshop is for them! Participants receive a mailed tool kit that walks them through information focused on better managing their health. They participate through small group phone calls for 30 minutes, once per week, for 6 weeks. All they need to participate is a phone.

Diabetes Self-Management Tool Kit
If you know someone who would like to better manage their diabetes but doesn’t have access to the internet, this workshop may be a good fit for them! Participants receive a mailed tool kit with tools to manage diabetes and participate in small group phone calls for 30 minutes, once per week, for 6 weeks. All they need to participate is a phone. Available starting in late May.

Diabetes Prevention Program
Do you have a diagnosis from your physician of prediabetes? Good news! Prediabetes can be reversed. Through this program access a personal health coach and meet with a small group to get tips and support on how to make healthier food choices, be more active, and lower your risk of type 2 diabetes. This is a 1-year online workshop with 1-hour sessions (16 weekly meetings plus 2 biweekly and 8 monthly meetings). All you need is the internet, a connected device and a diagnosis of prediabetes from your physician to participate.

There is no charge for these programs. To learn more or register for one of these classes call Partners Community Wellness at: 818-403-5452, send email to: ebprograms@picf.org or visit https://www.picf.org/online-wellness-programs/

LIFTT’s CARES Act funding featured on Yellowstone Public Radio

Yellowstone Public Radio reporter Jess Sheldahl recently stopped by LIFTT to learn more about how LIFTT is utilizing the funding it has received as as a result of the CARES Act passed by Congress in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

You can read and hear the story here: https://www.ypradio.org/post/direct-cares-act-award-boosts-billings-nonprofit-supporting-people-disabilities

COVID-19 CARES ACT FUNDS AVAILABLE TO PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

Due to a recent CARES Act Award, Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT) is pleased to announce the availability of limited financial assistance to persons with disabilities in our service area. The award, made possible by a grant from the Administration for Community Living, targets individuals and families who are experiencing difficulties due to COVID-19.

To access these funds, applicants must go through LIFTT’s information & referral process.

Recipients can only access  COVID-19 funds once. The funds must be distributed by September 30, 2021, and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Funds can be used for a variety of expenses, including access to technology and technology training; purchase of masks and gloves; personal care necessities; and payment of household expenses such as utilities and rent. Contact  LIFTT to discuss the application process and whether you and/or your family are eligible.

LIFTT’s offices remain closed to the public at this time. Those seeking COVID-19 assistance or any other services from LIFTT can contact us Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. by calling (406) 259-5181, or (800) 669-6319, contact us at liftt.org/contact. You can also find LIFTT on Facebook and Twitter.

LIFTT is deeply appreciative of all those helping Montanans navigate this unprecedented time in our history. We know that by working together, we will find a way through this.

Stay Safe & Healthy,

Your Friends at  LIFTT

04/24/2020 COVID-19 Update from LIFTT

As some Montana business and institutions begin to open as soon as Monday April 27, in line with the directives issued by Gov. Steve Bullock, we would like to take this opportunity to update you on what is happening here at Living Independently for Today & Tomorrow (LIFTT).

LIFTT will not be reopening its offices on 04/27 and will remain closed to the public until further notice. This action is being taken to protect our staff as well as the people and communities we serve many of whom are particularly susceptible to COVID-19 and its effects.

LIFTT is also continuing its prohibition on in person meetings and travel until further notice. Staff both in the Self-Directed Personal Care and Independent Living programs remain available to provide services through telephone, email, and other internet platforms. So please if you or someone you know might need our services do not hesitate to call, email, or contact us through social media we are here for you!

We wish we could tell you when we are going to reopen our offices or begin seeing consumers in person but that remains unknown at this time. What we do know is that when we reopen, we want to be in a position where we can stay opened.

With that objective in mind LIFTT is committed to working with local public health officials as well as our state and federal partners to develop appropriate office and in person procedures for increased sanitation and social distancing to make sure we are all as safe as possible.

Finally, we would like to encourage everyone to stay safe and healthy, keep washing and sanitizing your hands, stay at home, make only necessary trips and when you do go out make sure you observe social distancing guidelines such as covering your face and keeping six feet apart.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation during this time. Do not forget to reach out if you think we can help, you can find our contact information here.

We hope to see you as soon as it is safe to do so!

Your Friends @ LIFTT