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THE NASLUND & NASLUND FOUNDATION
HELPING US TO CHANGE LIVES
MARCH NEWSLETTER
LIGHT OF HOPE / ISSUE 33/ MARCH - 2026
Focusing on Community Integration for Adults with Diverse Abilities
SPRING EQUINOX
NEW LIFE BEGINS!!!
IN FOCUS
Samuel A.
Samuel looks forward to attending the Light of Hope program to be with his friends. He waits patiently for the schedule that comes out on Fridays to see what the next week's activities are. He enjoys bowling, art classes, zumba, and volunteering at Shemesh Farms.
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Samuel is always thoughtful of others and makes sure no one forgets their lunch bags, yoga mats or water bottles. He is helpful and enjoys helping to clean up, putting chairs back into place, erasing the board and taking trash out.
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At the end of the program day, he likes to say good-bye to everyone, therefore he is always the last one to leave.
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Samuel, you are a pleasure to have at the Light of Hope program!
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Samuel enjoying the exhibits at the California Science Museum.
Click on the link below to read an article on Light of Hope's Director, Kimberly Naslund.
https://voyagela.com/interview/check-out-kimberlys-story/
THIS MONTH IN MARCH
Women's History Month
"From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women are unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed. but the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well." (President Jimmy Carter)
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CELEBRATING THE VALUE OF WOMEN
Employee Appreciation Day!
Friday, March 6th is Employee Appreciation Day and we, The Naslund & Naslund Foundation/Light of Hope Program, value our employees! They are the backbone of our program. Their contributions enable us to continue to productively serve our consumers in a meaningful way. Their loyalty to not only the administration, but to the participants of Light of Hope does not go unnoticed, and we wish to give our staff a heartfelt:
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!
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Daylight Saving Time
Will you be affected by the setting of your clock one hour ahead on March 8th? I know that I cherish every last minute I get to sleep! However, time keeps ticking and we must march on with it.
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Daylight Saving Time is here again and the practice of moving our clocks one hour forward gives us extra daylight to enjoy. That too, I value, so let us adjust and keep on moving.
SPRING EQUINOX
SPRING EQUINOX
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"Spring equinox marks the official start of the spring season. Traditionally, we celebrate the first day of spring on March 21, but astronomers and calendar manufacturers alike now say that the spring season starts on March 20 in all time zones in North America. In 2024, spring fell on March 19 - the earliest first day of spring in 128 years!
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Spring equinox means our hours of daylight - the period of time each day between sunrise and sunset - have been growing slightly longer each day since the winter solstice in December, which is the shortest day of the year (at least in terms of light).
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Even though we know that after December 21st, the days start getting steadily longer, we will see more darkness than light over the course of a day in those three months leading up to spring. The vernal equinox marks the turning point when daylight begins to win out over darkness."
​​​ www.farmersalmanac.com/spring-equinox-first-day-spring ​​​​​
Spring's First Joy
March arrives with skies so bright,
The world awakens to fresh light.
Birds sing sweetly, a welcome sound,
As hints of spring spread all around.
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With warming days and fields so green,
A time of cheer, a joyful scene.
Festivals bloom with laughter and song,
As hearts embrace where we belong.
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March reminds us loud and clear,
New beginnings now appear.
So let us gather, laugh, and cheer,
For spring's first joy is finally here!
Catherine Pulsifer
Bowling!
Bowling day for Light of Hope participants is not only a fun activity, but it teaches them discipline, patience, to be more attentive and to be a team player. Bowling is also a great way to exercise!
Continue bowling, Light of Hope!
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(In the above photo, Alex aims for a strike as Zahamit watches)
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FAREWELL DEAR FRIEND
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Brynn M. is moving on!
Shakespeare said it best in his play, Romeo and Juliet: "Parting is such sweet sorrow."
This is our sentiment as we bid a sorrowful but sweet goodbye to Brynn. We find ourselves without words in attempting to explain the depth of our feelings to see her leave California and the Light of Hope program. Brynn has been a source of light and joy to us all, a ray of sunshine that would brighten our days. Our hearts will feel the absence of her presence, but we wish her well in all of her endeavors and the life that waits ahead.
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Goodbye, Brynn. We will miss you!
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​​Brynn (center) with support guides, Michelle and Zach. (Photo Credit: Shemesh Farms) ​
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Ashley Morales Estrada
At the Light of Hope Program, we prioritize hiring dedicated support staff for our participants. We recognize the crucial role these employees play in improving our company and enriching the experiences of our clients. The employee to be recognized this month is Ashley Morales Estrada.
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Ashley is the type of employee businesses love to have. She is always on time, she has a professional attitude, always willing to assist, she's patient, kind, engaging and attentive to her clients.
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Ashley has also proven to be a great communicator, and shown us that she is here to make a difference in the lives of the participants.
Thank you, Ashley, for being a pleasant and positive role model. Keep shining!
THE AUTHOR'S NEST
JANE EYRE
(Charlotte Bronte)
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The book to focus on, with march being Women History Month, is Jane Eyre.
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"Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre, a novel often assigned for readin in school, was initially published in 1847 under the pseudonym Currer Bell to disguise the fact that the writer was a woman. Fortunately, a lot has changed with regard to women in literature since 1847, and Bronte now receives the credit she deserves for one of the most groundbreaking novels about women in history. At a time when the author felt compelled to hide her true identity, Jayne Eyre provided a story of individualism for women. The novel's eponymous character rises from being orphaned and poor into a successful and independent woman."
Quoted from Britannica
​If you can't find the time to read the book, watch the movie!
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CELEBRATING WOMEN!!!
NEW LIFE SPRINGING UP!
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A Light Exists in Spring​​​
A light exists in Spring
Not present on the Year
At any other period -
When March is scarcely here
A Color stands abroad
On Solitary Fields
That Science cannot overtake
But Human Nature feels... Emily Dickinson
Participants in the Light of Hope program enjoy swinging the bat at the batting cage, it one of their favorite activities. This fun experience not only enhances their enjoyment but also strengthens their arms and upper body. Additionally, it gives them valuable skills in focus and aim.
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(Light of Hope participant, Mo H. swinging for a hit!)
THE BATTING CAGE!
St. Patrick's Day
"The history of St. Patrick's Day dates back more than 1,000 years and honors Ireland's patron saint,, Saint Patrick. The holiday is celebrated annually on March 17th, the anniversay of his death in the fifth century.
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Irish Folklore:
One icon of Irish folklore is the leprechaun. The original Irish name for these figures of folklore is luchorpan, thought to mean "small-bodied fellow." Belief in leprechauns probaly stems from Celtic beliefs in fairies, tiny men and women who could use their magical powers to serve good or evil. In Celtic folktales, leprechauns were cranky souls responsible for mending the shoes of other fairies."
history.com/articles/history-of-st-patricks-day
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Special Recognition
Zahamit's Big Moment!
We wish to offer Light of Hope participant, Zahamit K. our biggest congratulations for her cheering and dancing squad's first place winning at JAMZ's National Contest! We are so very proud of you "Z."
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Zahamit showing off her "First Place" prize.
Zahamit with her dance team.
Historical March - Women
March 10, 1903​
Clare Boothe Luce was born in New York City. She served in the House of Representatives from 1943 to 1947 and became the first woman appointed as U.S. ambassador to a major country (Italy).
​March 28, 1941
Lilian Bader joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force. Trained in instrument repair, she became a leading aircraft woman and was later promoted to the rank of Corporal during World War 2.
March 31, 1988
Toni Morrison wins Publitzer Prize for her novel "Beloved."
CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH!
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Glenn P. - Drew C. - Scott N.
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HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in 2026 will be observed throughout March. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about the needs and potential of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Key Themes and Activities
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The campaign for 2026 is titled "We’re Here: Then, Now, Always," emphasizing the ongoing presence and contributions of people with developmental disabilities in communities.
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Various events, programs, and advocacy campaigns will take place nationwide to promote inclusion and acceptance.
Historical Context
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Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month was officially recognized in 1987, initiated by President Ronald Reagan to enhance public understanding of developmental disabilities.
Focus Areas
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In 2026, there is a strong emphasis on multidisciplinary, person-centered approaches that support not only clinical needs but also social inclusion, education, and vocational success. (AI)
Be Kind Today
FUN FACTS FOR MARCH
March is named after Mars, the Roman god of war - but also agriculture. So the month symbolizes both battle and new beginnings.
St. Patrick wasn't Irish - he was born in Britain and brought to Ireland as a teenager.
March is one of only two months when the sun rises due east and sets due west everywhere on Earth.
Daffodils are the official flower of March, symbolizing rebirth and new beginnings.
March 1st was once New Year's Day in ancient Rome.
(Fun Facts provided by Angela Anderson)
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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