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THE NASLUND & NASLUND FOUNDATION
HELPING US TO CHANGE LIVES
LIGHT OF HOPE / ISSUE 25 / JULY - 2025
Focusing on Community Integration for Adults with Diverse Abilities
LIGHT OF HOPE
JULY NEWSLETTER
Friendship
"A friend is someone who knows all about you and still loves you.”
Elbert Hubbard​
IN FOCUS
Caroline K. (Juliet)
"Since I was a little girl, serving with excellence has been my passion, and Light of Hope has provided the perfect setting to bring my dream to life. I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of such a fantastic program. Working at LOH has brought the best out of me in ways that I can mirror and utilize in my primary career as a professional accountant. The Training I have received and continue to receive as a support guide to beautiful innocent souls is growing me into a diverse career professional. My biggest take away, so far, is the learned patience that I have now ingrained in my other professional practices. I look forward to continuing to contribute to our shared success."
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FRIENDSHIP
Friendship
UPCOMING EVENTS
INTERNATIONAL DAY
OF FRIENDSHIP
Each year on July 30, the world comes together to mark the International Day of Friendship, a celebration established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011. This special day highlights the powerful role friendship plays in promoting peace, bridging diverse communities, and fostering mutual understanding across cultures. People celebrate by reaching out to friends, performing acts of kindness, organizing gatherings, or simply enjoying time together. While the U.S. often observes National Friendship Day on the first Sunday of August, and in some places even in late July, Paraguay—where the idea originated—celebrates it on July 30 as well. All in all, July is a month deeply tied to the spirit of friendship and connection.
QUOTE FOR THE MONTH
Friendship isn’t always about grand gestures or profound conversations. It often lives in the small, everyday moments. It’s showing up when someone needs you, offering a listening ear (even when they’ve told the same story twice), or sharing a smile that can brighten a tough day. True friendship means giving without expecting anything in return, knowing when to offer advice and when to simply be present. Every friendship is unique, shaped by the personalities involved, but all share a common thread of trust, kindness, and a little bit of humor to get through life’s ups and downs together. In the end, it’s these genuine connections that remind us we’re never really alone.
Welcome to The Light of Hope Community Integration Program! We are dedicated to assisting adults with disabilities in developing and enhancing essential life skills, fostering self-confidence and independence. Our engaging activities focus on emotional, social, and cognitive skills, along with problem-solving and decision-making. Join us as we make learning enjoyable and empowering!
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Dennis B.
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COMING SOON!
California Science Center
Universal City Walk
Gene Autry Museum
Pacific Aquarium
Ventura County Fair
WHAT'S HAPPENED
Light of Hope Adventures
Each month, we thoughtfully plan meaningful experiences—both within our community and beyond—that help our participants feel connected, inspired, and supported. Whether it’s a local outing or an exciting trip, every adventure is part of our mission to foster joy, learning, and a true sense of belonging.
Day Camp at Lake Casitas
Ventura Harbor Beach Walk
Joseph B.
Sharona K.
INDEPENCENCE DAY
4th of JULY
This Fourth of July, we’re celebrating the spirit of independence, community, and connection! It’s a perfect time to come together, enjoy festive traditions, and reflect on the freedoms we cherish. Whether you're watching fireworks light up the sky, sharing a picnic with friends, or simply enjoying a day of fun and relaxation, we hope your holiday is filled with joy and laughter. From all of us, have a safe, happy, and memorable Independence Day!
National Disability Independence Day, observed annually on July 26. This important day commemorates the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990—a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in all areas of public life. It’s a time to honor the progress made toward accessibility, inclusion, and equal opportunity, while also recognizing the ongoing efforts to build a more equitable society for all. National Disability Independence Day is especially meaningful for programs like ours, where we celebrate the strengths, talents, and contributions of every individual, every day.
NATIONAL DISABILITY
INDEPENDENCE DAY
Joshua