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THE NASLUND & NASLUND FOUNDATION
HELPING US TO CHANGE LIVES
SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
LIGHT OF HOPE / ISSUE 39 / SEPTEMBER - 2026
Focusing on Community Integration for Adults with Diverse Abilities
AUTUMN FALLS SOFTLY
Welcoming the Spirit OF September!
IN FOCUS
Drew Calhoun
It is a delightful moment when participants walk in with smiles on their faces!
To The Light of September
When you are already here
you appear to be only
a name that tells of you
whether you are present or not
and for now it seems as though
you are still summer
still the high familiar
endless summer
yet with a glint
of bronze in the chill mornings
and the late yellow petals
of the mullein fluttering
on the stalks that lean
over their broken
shadows across the cracked ground
but they all know
that you have come
the seed heads of the sage
the whispering birds
with nowhere to hide you
to keep you for later
you
who fly with them
you who are neither
before nor after
you who arrive
with blue plums
that have fallen through the night
perfect in the dew
by W. S. Merwin
FUN FACTS FOR SEPTEMBER
Birthstone: Sapphire
Birth flowers: Morning Glory / Aster
September is the ending of summer and the beginning of fall.
September is known as Harvest Month.
September's full moon is known as the Harvest Moon.
The first newspaper in the United States was printed on September 25, 1690.
The first Teddy Bear was made by Morris Michtom in September 1902.
Many animals start preparing for winter in September by gathering food and building shelters.
The first public school in the United States, Bostin Latin School, was founded in September 1635.
TRANSITIONING
At Light of Hope, we embrace the exciting changes that each season brings! Our mission is to empower our participants to not just adapt, but truly thrive in the face of life's challenges. We’re all about building and inspiring everyone to tackle new circumstances with enthusiasm and optimism. Together, let's navigate life's transitions and come out stronger than ever!
In a community integration day program, participants experience various transitions. Some move into the workforce or volunteer roles, while others become more confident and expressive, breaking free from shyness. Additionally, many transition to college programs. These transitions also occur as individuals achieve their goals and overcome challenges.
Here at Light of Hope, we enjoy watching these transitions take place!
SEPTEMBER'S HARVEST MOON
"The Harvest Moon, the full Moon that closes summer and opens autumn, peaks on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 12:49 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Corn stands tall across the Midwest, pumpkin patches glow orange in the Northeast, and the air after sundown has finally cooled. The autumnal equinox arrived four nights earlier on Tuesday, September 22, and that timing is exactly what gives this Moon its working name. Before electric light, the Harvest Moon was a tool: it gave farmers extra evening hours to bring the crop in.
The Harvest Moon has a quiet trick no other full Moon plays the same way. On most nights of the year, the Moon rises about 50 minutes later than it did the night before. Around the autumnal equinox, that delay shrinks to roughly 25 to 30 minutes for several nights in a row at mid-northern latitudes. The Moon is not slowing down; the geometry of the Moon’s orbit and the shallow angle the ecliptic makes with the horizon at this time of year simply lines up in a friendly way. That shallow-ecliptic effect is the single defining fact of the Harvest Moon.
The result is plain English: a bright, almost-full Moon shows up not long after sunset on three or four consecutive evenings. A farmer plowing or picking in 1800 got an on-time Moon every night that week instead of having to wait an extra hour each night. That is the practical advantage that fixed the name. The same trick works the following month for the Hunter’s Moon, but the September version landed at the peak of the grain harvest, so the name stuck to September.
The name is a working name, not a poetic one. Before electricity reached the farm, the only light after sunset came from a lantern, a candle, or the Moon. A full Moon close to the equinox rose near sundown for several evenings running, hung low over the eastern horizon for hours, and turned the cropland into something that could still be worked. Corn, pumpkins, squash, and beans were ready or close to it. Frost was on the way. Every extra hour of bright moonlight was a real one: another row picked, another wagon filled, another day’s harvest moved from field to barn."
Quoted from the Farmer's Almanac - 2026
EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH
Here at the Light of Hope program, we inspire our participants to embrace their senses and connect deeply with their daily experiences. By opening your mind to the wonders of the universe, you can truly appreciate all that surrounds you and find joy in every moment. Let's embark on this journey together, exploring the magnificence that life has to offer!
WHAT SEPTEMBER BRINGS
Join us in celebrating National Hispanic Heritage Month, recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic culture to America's achievements, culture and history!
TOGETHERNESS
"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education."
Martin Luther King, Jr.
At Light of Hope, we believe that bonding with peers is essential for personal growth. We encourage an environment where one can elevate their social skills while building lasting friendships. With the support of our dedicated staff, individuals experience a nurturing atmosphere that enhances their self-confidence, self-worth, and sense of freedom. Join us in creating meaningful connections that empower everyone to thrive!
WHAT'S HAPPENED
Join us each month as we carefully curate meaningful experiences designed to connect, inspire, and support our community. From local outings to exciting trips, every adventure embodies our mission to foster joy, learning, and a genuine sense of belonging. We invite you to be a part of these enriching moments that bring us closer together.
The Ventura County Fair
Participants of Light of Hope eagerly climbed into the vans, buzzing with excitement as they headed to the 2026 Ventura County Fair. Laughter filled the air as they enjoyed exhilarating rides, won prizes at game booths, indulged in delicious fair foods, and explored a variety of exhibits. It’s fair to say they all drifted off to sleep that night with smiles on their faces and joy still resting in their hearts!
Amelia B., Jordan W. and Joshua B. getting ready to fly high!
EVERYONE HAD AN AMAZING TIME!
Labor Day is a time to honor the social and economic achievements of American workers. First celebrated on September 5, 1882, in New York City, this important day recognizes the contributions of laborers. It was officially signed into law by President Grover Cleveland on June 28, 1894. Join us in celebrating the hard work and dedication of all workers this Labor Day!
PATRIOT DAY
We shall never forget what happened on September 11, 2001, the day terrorist attack the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93. May we reflect and give pause to honor all the victims of that attack.
READ A BOOK DAY
Join us in celebrating "Read A Book Day" on September 6th! This special occasion reminds us of the amazing journeys we can experience through the pages of a book. From climbing mountains in a snowstorm to admiring the breathtaking art of the Sistine Chapel, reading invites us to explore endless adventures and to gain knowledge. So pick up a book and let your imagination take flight!
S.U.R.F.
It is almost that time of year when some LOH participants attend S.U.R.F. Service - Unity - Responsibility - Faith) Mondays! It is a Christian-based activity day that is free for Light of Hope. Click the icon below if you are interested in signing up.
CELEBRATING BIRTHDAYS THIS MONTH!
JAKE Q. EDEN R.
CRYSTAL B. ZACH F.
JOSEFINA M. KIMBERLY N.
FALL WEATHER
"It is the summer's great last heat,
It is the fall's first chill: They meet."
Sarah Morgan Bryan Piatt
AUTRY MUSEUM
The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as the Light of Hope vans arrived at The Autry Museum of the American West! Participants eagerly jumped out, ready to explore the rich exhibits that celebrate America's history. It was a memorable day filled with joy and fun for all involved!
Staff member, Crystal explaining an exhibit to LOH participant, Avery.
THE SPIRIT OF SEPTEMBER
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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