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DECEMBER NEWSLETTER

LIGHT OF HOPE / ISSUE 30 / DECEMBER - 2025

Focusing on Community Integration for Adults with Diverse Abilities

THE SEASON OF JOY

SPREADING GOOD CHEER!

IN FOCUS

Sharona K. wakes up each morning filled with excitement for her day with the Light of Hope program. Surrounded by friends, she cherishes the joy and warmth of their relationships, eagerly anticipating the fun activities that await. Each moment spent together creates a sense of belonging and happiness, making her days truly special.

Sharona sharing a happy moment with her support guide, Eva.

STARS OF LIGHT

As a young girl, I cherished the peace and solitude of sitting on the porch during warm summer nights. I gazed up at the sky, which seemed to be filled with countless tiny stars twinkling softly against the dark expanse. This tranquil moment is one that my mind often revisits.

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Now, I ask myself, "Where have all the stars gone?" I know they are still there, but the condition of the Earth's atmosphere and artificial light pollution block my view.

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Obstacles can cloud our perspective, influenced by attitudes, actions, expressions, and words that shape our environment— positively or negatively. It's essential to let strong moral values guide our journey in life, ensuring that the light within us remains bright and unyielding.

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"Be A Star of Light!" 

​                                          Gwendolyn Trudo​                          

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LOH CHRISTMAS PROGRAM THIS MONTH!

With curious minds and eager excitement, Light of Hope participants have been waiting for their big day: The Christmas program! It will be a time for the stars to shine brightly! 

"Where dreams come alive and spirits shine like stars!"              Gwendolyn Trudo 

RUBY'S DREAM

With images of books floating around in her head, Ruby L., a LOH participant, dreamed of working in a library. Her love of books brought great joy to her life, and now that dream has become a reality. 

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Agoura Hills Library has made it possible for Ruby to be an active volunteer, shelving and organizing books! With a beautiful and friendly smile, she walks into the library eager to get started on her day.

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Ruby, we are so proud and happy for your new position as a Volunteer Library Assistant.

WINTER SOLSTICE

 

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

                                        

Whose woods these are I think I know.   

His house is in the village though;   

He will not see me stopping here   

To watch his woods fill up with snow.   

 

My little horse must think it queer   

To stop without a farmhouse near   

Between the woods and frozen lake   

The darkest evening of the year.   

 

He gives his harness bells a shake   

To ask if there is some mistake.   

The only other sound’s the sweep   

Of easy wind and downy flake.   

 

The woods are lovely, dark and deep,   

But I have promises to keep,   

And miles to go before I sleep,   

And miles to go before I sleep.

                                                 Robert Frost

 

 

 

WINTER SOLSTICE

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"The word solstice comes from the latin sol ("sun") and sistere ("to stand still"). So, loosely translated, it means "sun stands still." The Sun's path across the sky appears to freeze for a few days before and after the solstice. The change in its noontime elevation is so slight that the Sun's path seems to stay the same or stand still.

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The first day of winter occurs on Sunday, December 21, 2025 , at 7:03 A.M. (PST). The winter solstice is the day with the fewest hours of sunlight throughout the year, making it the "shortest day" of the year. After we reach the winter solstice, the days begin to grow longer and longer again until we reach the summer solstice - the first day of summer and the longest day of the year.

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On the day of winter solstice, we are tilted as far away from the sun as possible, which means that the Sun's path across the sky is as low in the sky as it can be."

                                          www.almanac.com

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AS THE SEASONS COME

We cannot stop the winter or the summer from coming. We cannot stop the spring or the fall or make them other than they are. They are gifts from the universe that we cannot refuse. But we can choose what we will contribute to life when each arrives.

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                                              Garry Zukhav

FOOTPRINTS

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"Footprints carry profound symbolism as they represent our physical presence and the impact we have on the world. They serve as reminders of our journey and the paths we choose to walk. Footprints can evoke a sense of nostalgia, as they immortalize moments that have passed, leaving a poignant trace of our existence."

                                                            poemsworld.net

TEACHABLE MOMENTS

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Support Guide, Mimi, takes advantage of an opportunity to make meal times more manageable for LOH participant, Michael S.

At LOH, any activity can create teachable moments!

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"Discipline and diligence are up there on the list, but one of the most important qualities of many really successful people is humility. If you have a degree of humility about you, you have the ability to take advice, to be coachable, teachable. A humble person never stops learning."

                                                    Todd Blackledge

Gwendolyn, Christmas production director, assist LOH participants, Hannah F. and Brynn M. with music for their solo dances.

HOME ECONOMICS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At Light of Hope, we inspire our participants to engage in diverse life skills, including homemaking. During one of our recent home economics classes, while one group enjoyed baking in the kitchen, another group had a great time making pillows. It was a fantastic session that everyone thoroughly enjoyed!

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Thank you to Mary Moody and Vicky Fase, parents, who have made this class possible.

Staffer, Diego G. (black beanie) is giving instructions on making scones to Zahamit K., Jordan W. and Luciano N.

CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH!

KATELYN S.              BRYNN M.

      TANYA D.                  MOHAMAD H.

SHARONA  K.           AMANDA V.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

WHAT'S HAPPENED

Each month, we invite you to partake in thoughtfully curated experiences that aim to connect and inspire our community. Whether it's local outings or thrilling trips, every adventure is our commitment to cultivating joy, learning, and a true sense of belonging. Join us in these enriching moments that strengthen our bonds and create memories as we share our stories.

LOH SCAVENGER HUNT

Light of Hope participants scurried about  Universal CityWalk in Hollywood searching for items or places on their scavenger hunt list which ended in a sweet treat!

LOH participants, Jake Q. and Cady T, found their location: Bubba Gump Shrimp!

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LOH participants, Jordan W. and Joshua B. in front of "Wicked" at Universal Cinema.

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Support Guide, Eric M. with LOH participants, Owen O., Jack M., Ruby L., and Joseph B. in front of Bubba Gump Shrimp.

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Above photo of LOH participants, Katy S., Zahamit K., Luciano N., and Nicholas R. shows the end of the road: Cinnabon, the sweet treat everyone was expecting!

LIVING IN THE BEAUTY OF LIGHT!

Support Guide, Michelle L. and LOH participant, Jordan W. living life in the light!

Life is filled with beautiful moments and here at Light of Hope, we cherish all of our participants and desire to make certain each individual enjoy life to its fullest as much as it is in our power to do so. 

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We understand that pure joy is essential for a life filled with light. To know that one is loved, cared for, understood, listened to, protected, and doted on can transform a person's mindset. They help to create the light that radiates from the soul and produces a smile that shines brightly. â€‹There are no dark shadows in this light! 

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THIS MONTH IN DECEMBER

Christmas

Christmas time is truly a joyous season! The atmosphere is alive with love, kindness, and the spirit of giving. Many of us prepare for this special time well in advance. Regardless of the reasons we celebrate, one thing remains clear: love is at the heart of it all, reminding us to cherish our family, friends, neighbors, and our faith. The Christmas holiday holds great value, inviting us to enjoy a season filled with joy and togetherness.

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MAY ALL YOUR DAYS BE MERRY & BRIGHT

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hanukkah, celebrated starting the evening of December 14th - evening of December 22nd, is the Festival of Lights that commemorates the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and the restoration of its menorah.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kwanzaa - December 26th - January 1st,

a holiday celebration of African American culture, family, and community. A festival closing out the old year with grateful hearts and urshering in the New Year with bright hope.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day

This day is dedicated to remembering and honoring the 2,403 service members and civilians who lost their lives during Japan's unexpected attack on the U.S. Naval base in Hawaii on December 7, 1941. The U.S. Navy Fleet at Pearl Harbor faced significant damage as well.

New Year's Eve 

Saying Good-bye to Yesteryear

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As we bid 2025 farewell, let us take a moment to appreciate the experiences we've had. Whether the year met our expectations or not, let's embrace the joy of being here together to welcome in 2026 with gratitude!

THE AUTHOR'S NEST

A Christmas Carol

(Charles Dickens)

 

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I am not mistaking when I say that most of us remember, and still read or watch, A Christmas Carol by author, Charles Dickens. What a wonderful illustration of love, compassion, kindness, generosity, and redemption.

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Whether you read the book or watch the movie, this heartwarming narrative will most certainly leave a lasting impression.

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MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!

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PREVIOUS NEWSLETTERS

Nov/2025

Oct/2025

Sept/2025

Aug/2025

July/2025

June/2025

May/2025

April/2025

March/2025

Feb/2025

Jan./2025

THE NASLUND & NASLUND FOUNDATION

LIGHT OF HOPE COMMUNITY INTEGRATION PROGRAM

28030 DOROTHY DRIVE, SUITE 206, AGOURA HILLS, CA 91301

(818) 879-4673

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28030 Dorothy Drive, Suite 206
Agoura Hills, California  91301
(818) 879-HOPE

Email:  naslundandnaslundfoundation@gmail.com

Program Hours - 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. / Monday - Friday
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