The Life is for Everything Foundation (LIFE) was formed in 1970 by a group of individuals whose interests were ecology, the environment and the humane treatment of all living things. Problem areas were identified and people from all walks of life experience and educational backgrounds were brought together to find workable solutions.
The primary programs in the 1970's were the development of environmental education programs for children and teachers under LIFE Director Hannah Tarliz and the treatment of injured and orphaned native wildlife under the direction of LIFE Director Barbara Eustis-Cross.
Ms. Tarliz's work with project development and creation staff in cooperation with the California State Department of Education helped develop Wolf Creek, the first outdoor environmental school for children.
Ms. Eustis-Cross, under permits issued by the California Department of Fish and Game and the Federal Fish and Wildlife Services, developed treatment protocols and rehabilitation and release procedures that are still being used today.
By 1975 LIFE was incorporated as a nonprofit organization and later received 501 (c) (3) tax exempt status from the IRS.
In 1982 LIFE asked Barbara Eustis-Cross to transfer from their wildlife rehabilitation program to a temporary project caring for and finding homes for burros from the National Park Service. LIFE rapidly became aware of the enormity and complexity of the problem of caring for and training wild burros and horses.
LIFE became the first equine program in California to hold a Memorandum of Understanding with the Bureau of Land Management to care for sick, injured or orphaned wild horses and burros. LIFE continues this program today.
In 1984, LIFE established an equine center in California that has handled as many as 268 wild and domestic horses and burros a year. In addition to direct hands-on animal care, LIFE has provided medical and support care through in-kind grants to as many as 1,000 horses and burros a year. (*Note: LIFE primarily provided hands-on care and in-kind grants throughout its existance, never bringing in large amounts of cash. Effective rescue work CAN be done without large dollar donars.)
Today LIFE handles only animals placed for retirement, and sick, injured and orphaned wild horses and burros under a contract with the BLM. LIFE continues its equine programs through the training of animal control, humane society, and equine rescue organization staff on equine care and rehabilitation, as well as abuse investigation.
Sadly, with the death of Barbara Eustis-Cross, the LIFE Foundation is now inactive.
*Note was provided by Diana Linkous, after consultation with Barbara Eustis-Cross.
