The Lifebridge Foundation was founded in 1992, beginning a legacy of work envisioned and enacted by Barbara Valocore, Lifebridge’s Founder and President, in honor of her father Paul Hancock. Paul Hancock was the funder and co-founder of  The Lifebridge Foundation.

A Journey of Holistic Activism

The Lifebridge Story

Timeline:

1992

In 1992, the Lifebridge Foundation was established as an independent family foundation, embarking on a compelling journey into the realm of what can be termed “holistic activism.” The foundation’s mission was to foster the understanding of planetary unity and the undeniable reality of a single human race through philanthropic endeavors. It was founded with the purpose of providing support and opportunities to groups and individuals who shared these fundamental truths.

Not long after its initial establishment, the foundation became well-known, and an influx of correspondence began. Many referred to it as a “spiritual” foundation. It quickly became evident that there was a significant demand for funders ready to back emerging groups engaged in innovative and awe-inspiring work, with the potential to impact broad constituencies. For these groups, even a modest grant from the foundation, or a seed grant, provided substantial assistance. This funding facilitated the launch of their initiatives and positioned them to attract further, often more substantial, funding.

1997

On December 10, 1997, coinciding with Human Rights Day, the Lifebridge Foundation received associative status with the Department of Public Information of the United Nations.

1999

In 1999, the Lifebridge Foundation started organizing small meetings for the previous year’s grantees. These informal and inspiring gatherings reinforced their belief that simply by convening grantees to converse, unwind, and network, significant achievements could be made. Attendees from a wide range of backgrounds and fields quickly recognized that they were fundamentally engaged in similar work. Numerous collaborations emerged from these meetings, illustrating the strength and expansion of holistic activism.

Lifebridge Foundation Built a Sanctuary

In 2005, a pivotal transition occurred as the Foundation shifted its focus to the establishment and operation of the Lifebridge Sanctuary, pausing its grant-making activities. The community of grantees continued to remain a source of inspiration, as has the rich history of the land on which the sanctuary stands.

Barbara Valocore pursued the idea of building a place that held a vision- that work the Foundation was funding could come to seek retreat and pursue growth. She found that in the land where Lifebridge now stands.

The original Dutch Stone House, constructed in 1726, stands as a testament to the area’s history and has been thoughtfully restored and enhanced with 21st-century green building features, becoming the building as it is known today. This blending of history and modern sustainability reflects a commitment to honoring the past while embracing a sustainable future.

As 2024 approaches, the Lifebridge Foundation announces a significant milestone in its journey. At the end of 2023, the foundation will gracefully dissolve, concluding its role in the holistic activism movement. This moment marks a natural transition to a new chapter.

In this transition, the Hero’s Journey® Foundation will take over the operations of Lifebridge Sanctuary. With the same commitment to unity, interconnectedness, and holistic ideals, the Hero’s Journey® Foundation will continue the legacy of the Sanctuary, ensuring its mission endures and thrives.

At Lifebridge Sanctuary, the commitment to the original vision remains strong, as the legacy transitions to the care of the Hero’s Journey® Foundation. The journey is marked by a shared belief in the unity of humanity and the planet we call home. The two organizations have come together as a beacon of hope and positive change, making a difference one step at a time.

Join the Hero’s Journey® Foundation on this remarkable journey of holistic activism and contribute to a brighter, more united future.

Welcome to Lifebridge Sanctuary

The Hero’s Journey® Foundation provides depth work, and experiential learning opportunities by living through the myth of the Hero’s Journey® and following this myth as a vehicle for human development and transformation.

We support individuals and groups in the pursuit and awakening of their own unrealized potential.

We’re looking forward to sharing this special place as grounds for awakening new possibilities and potentials, both within our own programs, and by inviting other organizations to retreat and gather at Lifebridge.