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THE NASLUND & NASLUND FOUNDATION
HELPING US TO CHANGE LIVES
LIGHT OF HOPE // ISSUE 17 // OCTOBER - 2024
OCTOBER NEWSLETTER
LIGHT OF HOPE
Focusing on Community Integration for Adults with Diverse Abilities
IN FOCUS
Cady, aka "KK" wakes up looking forward to attending the Light of Hope program where she enjoys working out with all of her friends in zumba class. Cady has loved the experiences of fishing, boat riding, and having lunch at Ventura Harbor. Each day spent with her friends brings her great joy!
"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit."
Albert Schweitzer
FITNESS & HEALTH CHALLENGE
We have started a 30 Day Fitness & Health Learning Challenge!!!
Each participant was given a calendar on Monday, September 16, 2024.
Three days a week our lunch choices will consist of lean protein, cooked vegetables, and if you must have carbs, we can select a very small amount or alternative carbs such as beans or sweet potatoes and/or salad, and beverage preferably with low/no sugar. Two days a week everyone will exercise for at least 30-45 minutes in addition to going for a 1 to 2 mile walk/run.
With the assistance of the Support Guides, the LOH participants will be given the instructions to select food items with certain colors. They will also learn and write on their calendar how each food item helps the body. This will keep each participant more engaged and conscious of food choices, and learn of the medicinal and positive purposes. Like good energy - make me stronger - improve my memory, hearing and my heart.
We will discuss, which foods helped your eyes today? Who helped their heart today, etc.? Walking helps my blood flow and protects my bones.
We will never make anyone feel guilty for not following the challenge as intended or completing it. This is all about learning and positivity. At the very end of the challenge each person will receive a non food, but fun gift card! During this challenge we will also take into consideration allergies/health concerns and special diets.
May we strive to have a healthy body, soul, and mind!
​Since the 1980s, the National Down Syndrome Society has proclaimed October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month. “It’s a month to raise awareness and celebrate the many abilities of our loved ones with Down syndrome. DSAM seeks to break down barriers and focus on promoting advocacy for people with Down syndrome.” (National Down Syndrome Society)
WHAT'S HAPPENED
AVILA ADOBE
Last month, Light of Hope participants celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by taking a field trip to Avila Adobe Museum in the Historic District of Los Angeles. the Avila Adobe is the oldest standing residence in the city of Los Angeles. Before the construction of the Avila house, the land was colonized by Spanish people from Sinaloa, Mexico.
Participants and staff making a wish at the Olvera Wishing Well on Olvera Street, a historic monument and Mexican marketplace.
AFTER SUMMER DANCE
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What better way to fall into autumn than to bid summer farewell? Light of Hope participants and friends danced a joyful goodbye to the end of summer! Thousand Oaks DJ Company kept the music pumping!
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Nicholas and Avery enjoy a snapshot moment.
Hannah, Mickey and Avery took a moment from dancing to pose for the camera. Mickey has some serious dance moves! Mickey was booked by "Crystal Palace Entertainment."
Mickey brought along his Princess
who enjoyed entertaining guest, Tiana, and the other dance participants.
UPCOMING EVENTS
“In 2024, more than 360,000 people will be diagnosed with breast cancer. But there is hope. Advancements in early detection methods and support continue to increase the chances of survival.”
When caught in its earliest, localized stages, the 5-year relative survival rate of breast cancer is 99%.” (National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc.)
For this month of October, let us connect with our family and friends, making sure we not only self-examine, but schedule for mammograms. Remember, early detection is key to a healthy recovery.
Monday - October 14, 2024
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​Columbus Day is a federal holiday that celebrates the landing of Italian explorer, Christopher Columbus, in the United States of America in the year 1492.
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LIGHT OF HOPE WILL BE OPENED ON THIS DAY
Wednesday - October 31st
Each Day Is A New Beginning​​​
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THE RAVEN
(By Edgar Allan Poe)
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Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary,
Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore—
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
‘’Tis some visitor,’ I muttered, ‘tapping at my chamber door—
Only this and nothing more.’
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Grab a copy of "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe, and a cup of hot chocolate, tea, or coffee and curl up on the sofa, wrapped in your favorite afghan this Halloween!