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THE NASLUND & NASLUND FOUNDATION
HELPING US TO CHANGE LIVES
AUGUST NEWSLETTER
LIGHT OF HOPE / ISSUE 38 / AUGUST - 2026
Focusing on Community Integration for Adults with Diverse Abilities
Loving Summer
August: A Great Time for Outdoor Fun!
IN FOCUS
RUBY L. displaying her artwork
It has been a joy having Ruby as a participant in the LOH program. Not only is she a talented artist, but she also dances, sings, and plays the drums. Ruby is always eager to participate in any endeavor LOH is engaged in.
Ruby's favorite activities are bowling and participating in Miss Zuly's Dance Class along with her best friend Cady. Her favorite field trip was the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and her favorite place for lunch is The Habit. Ruby also loves yoga and going to the movies. Two of the best perks are being able to spend quality time with her friends, and volunteering at the Agoura Hills Library
We are so fortunate to greet Ruby's smiling face and positive attitude each day!
ALL ABOUT AUGUST
August was named after Agustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor.
Birthstone: Peridot
Birth Flower: Gladiolus
The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most spectacular meteor showers, reaches its peak around August 12th.
The last week of August is often considered the start of the fall migration for many bird species.
August 16, 1896: Gold was discovered in Rabbit Creek, a tributary of the Klondike River in Alaska, resulting in the Great Klondike Gold Rush.
August 18, 1920: The 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, granting women the right to vote.
August 21, 1959: President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed a proclamation admitting Hawaii to the Union as the 50th State.
A great migration of birds.
FRIENDSHIP
by
Nela / uncommonquotes.com
At Light of Hope, we encourage friendship. Here are a few reminders of how precious it is:
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“True friends are the stars that shine brightest during our darkest nights.”
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“A friend’s laughter is the melody that makes our hearts dance.”
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“In the garden of life, friends are the flowers that bloom in every season.”
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“With every shared secret, our friendship grows a little deeper.”
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“A loyal friend is a treasure that money can’t buy.”
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“Through every storm, good friends are the anchors that hold us steady.”
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“The beauty of friendship lies in the simplicity of just being together.”
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“Inside jokes are the threads that weave our hearts closer.”
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“Every moment shared with you is a chapter in my favorite story.”
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“Friends are the family we choose, binding our hearts with love.”
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“Your presence is my favorite reminder that I’m never alone.”
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“In the book of life, friends write the most beautiful pages.”
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“Friendship is a silent promise to always be there, no matter the distance.”
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“Every shared laugh is a memory that warms the soul.”
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“With you, even ordinary moments become extraordinary.”
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“True friendship is the art of being there, even when words aren’t needed.”
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“A friend’s hug is the safest place to find solace.”
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“Together, we’re a masterpiece painted with laughter and trust.”
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“Great friends are the mirrors reflecting our true selves.”
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“In the journey of life, friends are the guides that light our path.”
A True Friend is to be Cherished!
CELEBRATING AUGUST BIRTHDAYS!
Hannah Shoshana Wendy
Luciano Gustavo Ashley
Branden Gwendolyn
SWIMMING UNDER THE SUMMER SUN
The great summer season is a time for vacationing, outdoor sports and games, boating, swimming, soaking up the summer sun on beaches and waterfronts, organizing pool parties, fishing, and other activities that cooler weather does not afford.
The days are longer and brighter, and the sun beams its energy, vitalizing your life, but also bringing intense heat. It is important to protect yourself from the harmful ultra violet rays, so use plenty of sunscreen, wear shades to protect your eyes, and don a hat to protect your face. In many places, women use parasols as a protection for their skin against the blazing sun.
Whatever your preferences are, take advantage of this energizing month to add a little more joy to your days, appreciating everything the month delivers!
BE HAPPY!
TRAIN RIDE TO SANTA BARBARA
Russel S. seizing the moment for a scenic view!
All Aboard!
Freedom is taking a train ride in a railcar filled with friends! Energized by the light of the sun beaming through the windows, LOH participants greeted the experience with enthusiasm, eager to embrace the scenic route and savored every moment. The whistling of the train and the stunning beauty of the mountains and the Pacific Coast surrrounding us created a truly spectacular adventure! Our trip was topped off with a mouthwatering lunch at Habit Burger & Grill!
At the end of the day, everyone was a happy tired.
Join us for an unforgettable experience at the Ventura County Fair - 2026! Our Light of Hope participants are eagerly anticipating the thrilling rides, mouth watering food, and entertaining games that await them. Last year, the fair was a hit, filled with laughter and joy, and this year promises to be even better. Don’t forget, the final day to enjoy all the fun is August 9th—mark your calendars!
INSPIRATIONAL CORNER
Life can throw unexpected challenges our way, and how we respond reveals our true character. In the photo above, LOH participant, Hannah F., is facing the challenge of a broken arm. She demonstrates resilience, stating, "Just because I have only one arm to use, doesn't mean can't do anything." Hannah continues to participate in yoga, dance classes, acting classes and many other activities in the program. Let her be an inspiration to us all!
Light of Hope Loves Shemesh Farms
Left: Field Manager, Josefina, and LOH participant, Ruby zesting lemons for teas and/or spice blends.
LOH participant, Jordan, watering plants, helping them to thrive.
We love playing baseball at LOH! Wyatt is swinging for a home run!
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
MICHELLE LOPEZ
How profitable it is for a company to have great employees! Congratulation to Michelle, our Employee of the Month! Michelle is a kind, caring, and proactive team member who consistently goes above and beyond for the individuals she supports. She is incredibly patient and genuinely loves caring for her clients, always making sure their needs are met. Michelle is very observant and pays close attention to each client's well-being, ensuring they receive the best support possible. She conducts herself in a professional manner with both clients and staff and has built great relationships with everyone she works with. Michelle is always willing to support different clients and encourages them to participate in all scheduled activities, helping them to stay engaged and involved. Her compassion, dedication, and positive attitide make her a valued member of our team, and we are grateful to have her with us.
Congratulations, Michelle, and thank you for everything you do!
...Describe your sorrows and desires, the thoughts that pass through your mind and your belief in some kind of beauty - describe all these with heartfelt, silent, humble sincerity and, when you express yourself, use the Things around you, the images from your dreams, and the objects that you remember. If your everyday life seems poor, don’t blame it; blame yourself; admit to yourself that you are not enough of a poet to call forth its riches; because for the creator there is not poverty and no poor, indifferent place. And even if you found yourself in some prison, whose walls let in none of the world’s sounds – wouldn’t you still have your childhood, that jewel beyond all price, that treasure house of memories? Turn your attentions to it. Try to raise up the sunken feelings of this enormous past; your personality will grow stronger, your solitude will expand and become a place where you can live in the twilight, where the noise of other people passes by, far in the distance. - And if out of this turning-within, out of this immersion in your own world, poems come, then you will not think of asking anyone whether they are good or not. Nor will you try to interest magazines in these works: for you will see them as your dear natural possession, a piece of your life, a voice from it. A work of art is good if it has arisen out of necessity. That is the only way one can judge it.”
― Rainer Maria Rilke
WHISPERS OF YESTERYEARS
Original Poem from Tiny Poetry
In the quiet of the twilight, they sigh, Rustling leaves tell tales of days gone by, Whispers of laughter, echoes of dreams, Dancing on branches in soft sunlight beams. Once vibrant hopes in the summer's embrace, Now softly fade like a long-lost trace, The breeze carries memories, sweet and profound, As nature weaves stories from the ground. Through shades of gold and hues of decay, Lost wishes flutter and drift far away, Yet in their rustle, a promise remains, That in every ending, new hope still gains.
TRIVIA
At Light of Hope, we believe in keeping the mind active and always learning. Here are a few random trivia questions for your enjoyment. See how many you can answer before looking at the answers which are posted below the questions.
QUESTIONS
1. How much does a cloud weigh?
2. What metal is found at the center of the earth?
3. How old is the sun?
4. How many bones are in the human body?
5. How many bones does a shark have?
6. How many hearts does an octopus have?
7. Where were french fries invented?
8. Who was the first U.S. president to live in the White House?
ANSWERS
1. Around 1 million pounds
2. Iron
3. 4.6 billion years
4. 206
5. Zero
6. Three
7. Belgium
8. John Adams
Here at LOH, we strive to keep our participants engaged in activities that they can learn from. Playing Trivia helps to keep our minds and focus sharp!
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THE NASLUND & NASLUND FOUNDATION
LIGHT OF HOPE COMMUNITY INTEGRATION PROGRAM
28030 DOROTHY DRIVE, SUITE 206, AGOURA HILLS, CA 91301
(818) 879-4673