Shop With Purpose | The Mission-Driven Launch of upLIFTT Thrift

September 2025

article by Jessica Renstrom

Did you know your forgotten coffee table or vintage mirror could help power independence for people with disabilities? Items like these help power upLIFTT Thrift, a new store in Billings where every donated item and every purchase fuels vital services for aging and disabled Montanans. upLIFTT Thrift officially opened in June 2025 at 1201 Grand Avenue, inviting community members to shop, donate, and make a meaningful difference.

FROM LIFTT TO UPLIFTT

For over 36 years, Living Independently for Today and Tomorrow (LIFTT) has served aging and disabled Montanans across 18 counties, championing a mission to empower individuals to live independently. However, with recent policy shifts threatening LIFTT’s funding, the organization needed to find a new way to ensure its sustainability.

As Executive Director Carlos Ramalho explains, “upLIFTT Thrift was launched as a creative, community-rooted solution: a way to generate independent funding to help keep LIFTT’s essential services accessible for the people who rely on them.”

WHAT MAKES UPLIFTT DIFFERENT

Although inspired by well-known local thrift stores like Montana Rescue Mission and Goodwill, upLIFTT Thrift deliberately carves out its own niche. “upLIFTT Thrift is not here to compete, it’s here to complement,” states Carlos. “Unlike other shops that offer clothing and small goods, we specialize in one-of-a-kind pieces, donated by generous community members, that carry both beauty and history.”

SHOPPING THAT GIVES BACK

Stepping inside upLIFTT, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated space with both elegance and comfort in mind. Whether you're redecorating or looking for a standout piece, you’ll discover a wonderful mix of furnishings and décor items, all at affordable prices.

And the best part of your shopping excursion? Every purchase at upLIFTT Thrift is a direct investment in services for people with disabilities. “Proceeds from the store go right back into maintaining LIFTT’s services, especially at a time when public funding is uncertain,” Carlos explains. “This includes a wide array of independent living support: advocacy, peer support, youth and elderly transitions, job readiness, accessible transportation, and even service animal training. upLIFTT helps ensure that these vital programs can continue, regardless of the political or economic climate.”

“We envision upLIFTT Thrift becoming a beloved part of the Billings lifestyle, a place where people come not only for beautiful furniture but to be part of a larger mission,” describes Carlos. “Our hope is that the store continues to grow as a hub of generosity, inclusion, and independence. With community support, we believe upLIFTT can be a sustainable force for good; one that helps LIFTT keep its doors open and its services thriving for years to come.”

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

There are many ways to support upLIFTT’s mission:

DONATE: Gently used furniture and decorative items are welcome (excluding clothing).
SHOP: Your purchases generate vital funding for LIFTT’s services.
VOLUNTEER: Help organize the store, craft displays, or contribute fresh ideas.
SPREAD THE WORD: Pick up brochures or flyers at the store and share them with others.

CALL 406‑259‑5181 OR STOP BY UPLIFTT TO DONATE, VOLUNTEER, OR LEARN MORE.

Originally printed in the September 2025 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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Jessica Renstrom

Jessica is a Billings local with a background in marketing and a degree in Communications. She loves being a mom and soaking up time with her young children, especially during the holidays! You can catch her feeling festive and listening to Christmas music basically every day in December.

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