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THE NASLUND & NASLUND FOUNDATION
HELPING US TO CHANGE LIVES
LIGHT OF HOPE // ISSUE 15 // AUGUST - 2024
AUGUST NEWSLETTER
IN FOCUS
Dominic R. / Field Supervisor
Focusing on Community Integration for Adults with Diverse Abilities
THE VENTURA COUNTY FAIR!
Get ready for an exciting event this month - the Ventura County Fair! Light of Hope Participants are eagerly anticipating a day filled with thrilling rides, delicious food, and games with amazing prizes. With something for everyone, this adventure is not to be missed!
UPCOMING EVENTS
After Summer Dance
​Life of Hope participants will dress in their finest to attend this "farewell to summer" event on Friday, September 27th, 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. There will be great music, good food, and dancing! The event is free to Life of Hope Participants! More information forthcoming.
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S.U.R.F. Activity Day
​Registration to attend SURF will start on September 3, 2024. You may register online by clicking this link: https://www.nnfsurf.com/enrollment-donate
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Photograph Day
The date has yet to be determined, but look forward to receiving an email from Light of Hope regarding the days we will be taking individual and group photos!
WHAT'S HAPPENED
Baila Baila Class
The Baila Baila Class was an exciting time for all! The Light of Hope participants sang and danced with the instructors and were able to express themselves through this fun and energetic activity. The Baila Baila program is a dynamic and enjoyable way to engage participants in meaningful exercise while improving their communication skills through music, arts, and games. This was definitely a fun class that everyone in the program enjoyed!
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Music Class/Piano, Drums, Guitar
The Naslund & Naslund Foundation recently added a new music class to the program! In the weekly session the participants enjoy singing their favorite Karaoke songs while accompanying with keyboards, guitars, and drums. We would like to acknowledge and thank The Guitar Center Music Foundation for their kindness in donating instruments for use by the Light of Hope program. We are very grateful for their generous gift which has made so many happy!
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Fishing Trip
This month the Light of Hope program purchased individual fishing rods and tackle and made an exciting day trip to the peer in Ventura! Half of our participants were given the opportunity to fish and experience relaxation and precious moments by the ocean learning new dexterity skills. For some this was their first ever fishing trip and while we didn't personally catch anything this time around, we were able to share the joy of other fisherman on the peer as they caught fish, crabs, stingray, and even a small shark! The other half of our team enjoyed the paddle boats at Ventura Harbor and soon we will swap and do the same all over again! It was a memorable and fun day together filled with joy and laughter.
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​​​​Parent Appreciation Day
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The Naslund and Naslund Foundation was pleased to sponsor a very special event in honor of our participant's parents, our 2nd annual Parent Appreciation Luncheon. The luncheon took place on Friday the 26th of July. It was a time in which the leadership and staff of The Light of Hope program had the opportunity to show appreciation and parents were able to meet other parents who are united in a common interest. This enjoyable and informal event provided the opportunity to share and discuss the many ways that their sons and daughters have prospered and grown.
NEW PROGRAM INFORMATION
EU - TOPAS PREPARATIONS
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We have been quietly working, getting logistics ready for our sporting competitions! Participants in the Light of Hope program have been building strength and stamina by engaging in Zumba, Fitness for Autism, going to the gym, taking the walk-run challenge and playing baseball when the weather permits.
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When temperatures will allow for more outdoor time, we will dive deeper in other sporting practices.
INSPIRATION​
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When serving others, we give the greatest gift to our own selves. Service deepens our faith, developing characteristics that strengthen and elevate the soul, eliminating selfishness, pride, and ingratitude. Everything in nature was created to give. For example, the clouds gather water from the oceans which in turn fall in showers filling streams and rivers as they flow from hill to valley and then back to the ocean once more. These living waters refresh the earth bringing life to vegetation, animals, and mankind. Like nature that surrounds us, we were designed and created for service and as we enter the universal cycle of giving, we ourselves are often blessed, receiving far more than we give! ​​
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Working at Light of Hope has been a life-changing experience. This is my first time working in this field, and I can't envision being anywhere else. I love the feeling of community and support that this program fosters. Not only do we make positive changes in the lives of our participants, but it has also transformed my life in ways I could never have imagined.
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Kimberly Naslund (Founder and Director), has created something very special with Light of Hope, and I want to be a part of it every step of the way. The positive impact we've made and continue to make inspires me daily. If I could, I would never work anywhere else.
SAFETY FIRST!
We will once again be discussing Wildfire & Smoke Safety during our staff meetings this month. We will also go over safety protocols with all participants of the Light of Hope program this month. Our desire is to practice safety at all times!