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THE NASLUND & NASLUND FOUNDATION
HELPING US TO CHANGE LIVES
LIGHT OF HOPE / ISSUE 25 / JUNE - 2025
Focusing on Community Integration for Adults with Diverse Abilities
LIGHT OF HOPE
JUNE NEWSLETTER
Hello June - Let the Sunshine in!
"Summertime is always the best of what might be.”
Charles Bowden
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IN FOCUS
Tanya D.
This was the thoughtful response Tanya shared when asked about the Light of Hope Program and her perspective on it.
“I think a lot about the program. It's changed my life! I never thought I’d be working in a field like this and now that I’m here, I can’t imagine myself working in any other field. You’re learning something new every day with the adults we work with. They’ve taught me lessons on life and patience, how to be understanding and how to enjoy life for what it is.”
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QUOTE FOR THE MONTH
Fear often whispers that the unknown will undo us, that change means loss, and that stepping forward may lead to failure. Yet, as Khalil Gibran beautifully illustrates in his poem Fear, it’s only when the river surrenders to the ocean that it becomes more than itself. Likewise, our fears, though real and sometimes paralyzing, are not signals to retreat, but invitations to trust and grow. Great things are rarely accomplished from a place of safety; they require courage, surrender, and faith that we’re being carried by something greater than our own strength. When we face our fears with trust and hope we don’t just move forward—we’re transformed in the process, becoming vessels for purpose, courage, and God’s grace in the world.
Light of Hope – Spotlight!
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At the Naslund & Naslund Light of Hope Program, participants are at the heart of everything. Every day, individuals with diverse abilities come together to learn new skills, explore their creativity, and build lasting connections—all while having fun and growing in confidence. Whether they’re enjoying community activities, participating in sporting events, engaging in theater projects, enjoying dance class, creating art, or just having a fun time with friends, participants are supported in reaching their goals and discovering their strengths. It’s a welcoming space where everyone is encouraged to be themselves, try new things, and feel proud of how far they’ve come.
Light of Hope is Growing!
OVERCOMING FEAR
SOON TO COME!
California Science Center
Universal City Walk
Gene Autry Museum
Pacific Aquarium
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.
Preparations have begun for our Christmas play!
Fishing at the Pier
Train Ride to Santa Barbara
Group 2
We've Been Playing Tennis!
UPCOMING EVENTS
FLAG DAY
Flag Day, observed annually on June 14th in the United States, commemorates the adoption of the Stars and Stripes as the official national flag in 1777 by resolution of the Second Continental Congress. The day honors the American flag as a symbol of the country’s ideals, history, and unity. While it is not a federal holiday, many communities across the nation mark the occasion with parades, flag-raising ceremonies, and patriotic displays. Flag Day also coincides with the birthday of the U.S. Army, adding further significance to the celebration of national pride and service.
JUNETEENTH
Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19th, marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was issued. It stands as a powerful reminder that freedom and justice have not always come swiftly or equally, and it honors the strength, resilience, and ongoing contributions of Black Americans. Juneteenth is not only a commemoration of emancipation but also a celebration of culture, community, and the enduring pursuit of equity and dignity for all.
FATHERS DAY
Father’s Day, celebrated this year on Sunday, June 16th, is a special opportunity to honor the fathers, grandfathers, and father figures who have impacted our lives with their love, strength, and guidance. It’s a day to recognize the everyday sacrifices and steady presence that often go unspoken but leave a lasting mark. Whether through a kind word, a helping hand, or simply showing up, fathers play a powerful role in shaping who we are. On this day, we pause to reflect with gratitude and celebrate all they do and all they mean.
