The Creation & Evolution of Life Foundation
Why was Life Foundation created? Why does it exist?
Dr. Sid Williams was passionate about chiropractic care and sharing its benefits with the entire world. When he and his wife, Dr. Nell Williams, began their chiropractic practice, chiropractors were perceived as “unscientific cultists” by the American Medical Association and it was considered unethical for a medical doctor to associate with them. Also, at this juncture, there was no insurance equality, and practices were managed on a cash-only basis. With the considerable weight of the AMA against them, chiropractors everywhere fought diligently to promote their profession and for their patients right to choose chiropractic care as their preferred mode of healthcare. The Drs. Williams formed Life Foundation as the crucible through which this battle would be fought.
Life Foundation was the avenue through which Dr. Sid's vision has been brought to fruition. It was through Life Foundation that money was raised to promote health education through chiropractic, and to fund chiropractic research. Life Foundation was the avenue through which money was raised to open Life Chiropractic College, which grew to become Life University.
Life Foundations reach became global through sponsoring and creating international organizations such as Life Around The World, and Life International. Both of which helped spread chiropractic care and education all around the globe.
Today Life Foundation still supports Dr. Sids chiropractic vision and efforts. However, our mission has expanded beyond chiropractic education. We strive to serve ALL college students in their drive and desire to better themselves through education.
In the end, we are driven by Dr. Sid's Lasting Purpose philosophy - to Love for the Sake of Loving, Give for the Sake of Giving, and Serve for the Sake of Serving.
The Seed Is Planted
In June of 1964 Drs. Sid and Nell Williams met with 6 like-minded chiropractors at Mickey's Fine Food restaurant in Mableton, GA. It was here that Dr. Sid presented his original concept for Life Foundation. Inspired by his Lasting Purpose philosophy, this organization would seek to promote "Advancement in Health Education, and Research Projects for the public".
Life Foundation would be the conduit through which Dr. Sid would spread his vision of chiropractic care and service to others throughout the world.
Dr. Humber was named Chairman and Dr. Ambrose was to head a committee of three to draw up a set of by laws to be ready for the next meeting.
By Laws Established
July 09, 1964 - Gathering once again at Mickey's Fine Food in Mableton, GA this group of inspired chiropractors meet to continue their cause. At this meeting the new By Laws are presented and adopted. Officers for this new organization are also discussed.
Founding Officers Elected
October 08, 1964 - At the Williams home on Brooks Drive in Austell, GA - Officers are nominated and officially voted into office.
- Chairman - Dr. Sid Williams
- First Vice Chair - Dr. D.D. Humber
- Second Vice Chair - Dr. Nell Williams
- Secretary - Dr. Ed Brown
- Treasurer - Dr. Dave Brown
First Actions
January 07, 1964 - Brooks Drive, Austell, GA - Discussion for Life Foundation programs begins in earnest. It is decided that Today's Chiropractic Newspaper will be the organizations first creation toward spreading chiropractic education to the general public.
Life Foundation Radio
In an effort to promote chiropractic and Life Foundation, Dr. Sid recorded Public Service Announcements to be played on the radio.
Chiropractic Health Mobile
July 08, 1965 - Brooks Drive, Austell, GA - First discussions for the creation and operation of a Chiropractic Health Mobile as a means to serve the poor and indigent in various communities.
Life Foundation, Inc.
October 17, 1965 - Brooks Drive, Austell, GA - The Life Foundation charter is completed and filed with the State of Georgia. Life Foundation, Inc. is incorporated and certified by the State of Georgia Office of Secretary of State on November 12, 1965 for a period of 35 years.
1966 - Building The Foundation
January 06, 1966 - Brooks Drive, Austell, GA - First meeting of LIFE FOUNDATION, INC. as a non-profit, educational, scientific, and charitable organization.
Programs further discussed and developed in 1966:
- Vision for the City of Life including Life University
- Health For Life tabloid newspaper
- Chiropractic Health Mobile
- Chiropractic Ladies Auxiliary
It was also decided to begin presenting Life Foundation, its programs, and its need for funding to promote and institute those programs, to attendees at the Dynamic Essentials chiropractic development meetings.
1966 - Launch of Today's Chiropractic - Vol. 1, No. 1
Today's Chiropractic was a bi-monthly publication, published by Life Foundation, sent to chiropractic offices across the United States with goal of promoting the chiropractic profession to chiropractors and their patients.
A front page article in the very first issue, Vol.1 No.1, printed in 1966, mentions that Life Foundation will promote the "City of Life" and "Life University" at the upcoming Dynamic Essentials meeting in September of that year.
"The City of Life" and the "Life University" projects will be launched during the four-day sessions Sept. 22-25. At the same time, further plans and arrangements for providing essential financing for Life Education and Information projects on a nationwide scale are scheduled for development."
Today's Chiropractic - Vol. 1, No. 2
Life Foundation leads the charge in promoting Healthcare Equality by promoting a petition to garner one million signatures supporting the inclusion of Chiropractic Healthcare in Medicare coverage.
Click on image for full article.
1967
Health For Life newspaper makes its debut as "News From The Life Foundation" with R.C. Allen as editor.
Further Discussion and development of the Health Mobile and Ladies for Life.
Efforts begin toward IRS approval as a non-profit organization.
1968
Continued implementation and development of Life Foundation programs including the Health For Life news. Fundraising for Chiropractic Health Mobile is successful and is projected to commence in Spring of 1969.
1969
Fundraising for Chiropractic Health Mobile is successful and Beechcraft in Atlanta is contracted to build the unit.
Ladies For Life holds first meeting with approximately 25 ladies present. Mrs. George Anton will lead the organization.
Health For Life news continues to increase circulation.
The Chiropractic Health Mobile is completed and its first out of state trip will bet to the Palmer Chiropractic College Homecoming event in August.
1970 - IRS Charitable Organization Designation
On January 16, 1970 Life Foundation was officially granted 501 (c) (3) Charitable Organization status by the Internal Revenue Service, a status that continues to this day.
1970 - Health For Life
To encourage new patient recruitment, Life And Health / Health For Life begins publication and is disbursed to chiropractors for distribution to current, new, and prospective patients.
Let's Take A Look At LIFE And Health
Let's Take A Look At LIFE And HEALTH booklet published by Life Foundation. Sent to chiropractors offices for prospective and new chiropractic patients. This booklet discusses the miracle of life, and gives a basic introduction to the nervous system and the concept behind chiropractic adjustments.
Click Here For Full Brochure1971
A Scholarship Program for Palmer Chiropractic College Students Approved.
Chiropractic Health Mobile located in Atlanta serving underprivileged areas.
1971 - It's High Time
"It's High Time" by Dr. Sid Williams published by Life Foundation
This 15 page booklet confronts the American overuse of medicinal drugs and addiction to illicit drug use. In his own enigmatic style he explains the benefits of choosing Chiropractic as a more beneficial and effective way to maintain individual health and to assist the body in preventing disease.
1971 - Health For Life
Health For Life - November 1971 - Vol. 5 - No. 4
Joan Crawford discusses the importance of chiropractic care to her everyday life.
1972
Life Foundation continues to develop Dr. Sid's concept of the City of Life. The City of Life would have at its core a world class educational facility focused on chiropractic. This brochure, sponsored by Life Foundation, is one of the first brochures to announce fundraising efforts for the purpose of opening Life Chiropractic College.
Click Here For Full Brochure1973
Fundraising letter sent to chiropractors from Dr. Sid requesting their assistance in raising funds to further Life Foundation's goals and agendas.
1974 - Life College Is Founded
1975 - Life Chiropractic College - 1st Classes Begin
Above is the front cover of the first "bulletin", or catalog, for Life Chiropractic College. This book contains, along with Admissions Information, Course Descriptions, and other essential information, a "History Of Life College" describing the journey undertaken to make the school a reality and Life Foundations role in that journey.
1975
Health For Life - January 1975 - Vol. 9 - No. 1
Liza Minnelli turns to chiropractic care to be at her best for her show "LIZA" at Harrah's - Lake Tahoe.
Health For Life - October 1975 - Vol. 9 - No. 4
Colonel Sanders, founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken is a chiropractic supporter!
1981
Life Foundation and Dr. Sid Williams spearhead the creation of "CHIROPRACTIC DAY" on September 18, 1981 as proclaimed by Georgia Gov. George Busbee.
1984
Life Foundation and Dr. Sid Williams spearhead the creation of "CHIROPRACTIC FOUNDERS DAY" on September 18, 1984 as proclaimed by Georgia Gov. Joe Frank Harris.
1988
Evander Holyfield Champions Chiropractic and is featured in the November/December 1988 issue of Today's Chiropractic magazine. His relationship with Dr. Sid and belief in chiropractic would stand the test of time.
1989
Life Foundation Newsletter sent to all Life Foundation supporters. While Dr. Sid is still very much involved, Dr. R. James Gregg, D.C. is President at this time. This newsletter begins with a column from Dr. Gregg reviewing some of the past programs and achievements of Life Foundation.
1996
Promotional Literature For International Projects
Life Foundation Call To Action with Life University and Life International
Click Here For Full Brochure1999 - Costa Rica
More To Come!
