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THE NASLUND & NASLUND FOUNDATION
HELPING US TO CHANGE LIVES
LIGHT OF HOPE // ISSUE 19 // DECEMBER - 2024
Focusing on Community Integration for Adults with Diverse Abilities
IN FOCUS
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​​​Dennis brings a positive and friendly spirit with him to the Light of Hope program. Every day gives him the excitement of mingling with his friends and visiting various places in the community. Dennis' favorite activity is bowling, but he likes to remind us that he enjoys going to work and earning a paycheck!
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Dennis also likes going on the many field trips provided by the program, with his favorite being the trip to Battleship USS Iowa Museum.
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Dennis has formed a special bond with staff, Zulema and Tanya, and participants, Amelia and Jordan.
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Dennis, Light of Hope is so happy to have you in the program!
QUOTE OF THE MONTH
WHAT'S HAPPENED
THANKSGIVING CELEBRATION
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Light of Hope's participants and staff gathered together last month to celebrated Thanksgiving! Delicious dishes were brought in to share while listening to music and enjoying delightful conversation and banter.
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Thank you to parents, Vicky F. and Mary M. for lending helping hands.
I believe that most of us enjoyed this Christmas poem when we were young, and some of us still do so today! ​
'Twas the Night Before Christmas'
by Clement Moore published in 1823
HAPPY READING!
’Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugarplums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes did appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,
With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:
“Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! Now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! To the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!”
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.
And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.
He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.
His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;
The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.
He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;
He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;
He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”
LUNCH at GEOFFREY'S - MALIBU
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"A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal." Steve Maraboli
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Light of Hope's final group of participants and staff feasted upon a splendid lunch at Geoffrey's Malibu while taking in the tranquil view of the Pacific Ocean.
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We are so grateful that our participants and staff had the opportunity to experience fine dining! Thank you to Jeff Peterson and the staff for your generosity and excellent service. You created some beautiful memories for all of us.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Hanukkah begins the evening of Wednesday, December 25, 2024 - Thursday, January 2, 2025!
Kwanzaa begins on Thursday, December 26, 2024 - Wednesday, January 1, 2025.
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It's that time of year! The happy holiday season! Season's Greetings! Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! No matter how you say it, it is a joyful time of the year. Family and friends joining together in peace and goodwill.
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The Naslund & Naslund Foundation wishes all a glorious Christmas.
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​​​​​​Christmas Program
Christmas is approaching quickly and Light of Hope participants are eager to perform in their Christmas Program this year! They have been practicing diligently on their talents, ready to give all a great show.
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The Christmas Program will be on Saturday, December 7, 2024 - 6 pm
Gateway Church
29646 Agoura Road
Agoura Hills, CA 91301​​
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Season's Greetings!​
Celebrating
Christmas!
December 25, 2024
Each Day Is A New Beginning​​​​
LIGHT OF HOPE
DECEMBER NEWSLETTER
"When we remember Christmas, it is not the presents that made it special, but the laughter, the feeling of love, and the togetherness of friends and family that made that Christmas special."
Catherine Pulsifer
'TIS THE CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY SEASON
Wishing you and your loved ones a peaceful holiday season filled with joy. The Naslund & Naslund Foundation's Light of Hope Program extends heartfelt gratitude to our participants, staff, parents, and community partners. Your support and trust empower us as we strive to create an exceptional program for adults with diverse abilities. Together, we are making a positive impact in our community.
HAPPINESS IS . . .
Spending time at Shemesh Farms!
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Light of Hope participants, Jake and Nicholas and staff member, John enjoy their time cutting herbs at the farm!
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Enjoy A Safe Holiday!