NOV 23
As the end of 2020 approaches, Canopy has so much to be grateful for — and the road ahead is more exciting than ever before.
By Hannah Lee, Director of Community Engagement
To put it mildly, 2020 has been a long, difficult year for nearly everyone. However, as the end of the year appears over the horizon, Canopy has so many things to be grateful for.
- We rolled out our Long Welcome in January, and since then have enrolled over 100 people in our Integration Support Services, including extended case management, youth services, and ongoing integration services.
- Over 50 children have received case management and integration resources through our Youth Services Coordinator! This summer, Canopy piloted a virtual mentorship program that enrolled over 50 kids!
- Canopy held its first Plan It! 12-week entrepreneurship training course! 7 enthusiastic future entrepreneurs graduated after receiving tailor made training on how to start their businesses in Northwest Arkansas. Ideas for new businesses include food trucks, auto-mechanics, and clothing stores!
- Our Art of Welcome: Home Made virtual event was more successful than we imagined, bringing in nearly $18,000 in just one week!
And so much more!
One of the things we are the most thankful for is you, our community.
2020 was tough—for all of us. Yet, our community banded together stronger than ever and continued to support our newest neighbors. This year, our community:
- Stood in solidarity. So many contributed to our Crisis Relief Fund, which acts as a safety net for all of Canopy’s clients during crises such as Covid-19. Your donations to the Crisis Relief Fund allowed Canopy to support clients who were laid off in response to the pandemic, or needed extra assistance with childcare.
- Volunteered time and resources. Many folks banded together to form cosponsor teams, ready to welcome our new neighbors home.
- Gave. Over a dozen more people joined our Community of Welcome, pledging a recurring gift to support our mission of welcoming refugees home.
- Advocated. More than 200 people participated in advocacy efforts throughout the year, including virtual advocacy trainings, our ask to contact Arkansas representatives to increase refugee admissions, and our call to help save the US asylum system.
- Sponsored. Multiple small businesses, community organizations, faith communities, and foundations have partnered with Canopy to sponsor our work.
…Just to name a few.
In the process of gearing up for 2021, we are filled with gratitude for the support of our incredible community and the wisdom and resilience of our Canopy families. We are also brimming with excitement as the US resettlement program begins to rebuild. As we prepare to welcome the most refugees yet, we need the support of our community more than ever.
Here are a few ways you can support Canopy as the year wraps up:
- Skip the Black Friday Rush: Give a Gift of Welcome instead! Dedicate your gift of $25 or more to an individual or family and we will send them a Canopy card! Just add the name and address in the notes box when you make a donation!
- Participate in Giving Tuesday: Every donation is matched 1:1 when you give through Facebook! This year, Giving Tuesday is December 1—watch for more details on Canopy’s social media and in your inbox!
- December kicks off Canopy’s Gifts of Welcome Celebration! Give a gift of welcome to a refugee family.
We are so grateful for our amazing, generous community—thank you for helping us welcome refugees home.
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