The past six months have brought significant change to Canopy and the broader refugee resettlement landscape. Federal policies have shifted, funding has fluctuated, and uncertainty continues to challenge many of the families we serve. But through it all, one thing has remained clear: our community’s resilience, compassion, and commitment to welcome.
This report shares the story of that resilience. It highlights how, even in the face of difficulty, we’ve expanded programs, deepened connections, and continued to offer hope. While it has been unimaginably difficult to operate with constant changes, we have accomplishments to celebrate and moments of joy every single day.
Strengthening Client Services in the Face of Change
From job loss to legal uncertainty, our clients have faced daunting obstacles this year. We’ve met those challenges with swift action and steadfast support.
- Employment Support: 85 individuals participated in our employment programs in the first half of 2025. When the Cargill plant in Springdale closed, we quickly helped 7 former refugee employees secure new jobs, ensuring they could support their families and continue building their futures.
- Legal Services: 471 clients received vital legal assistance, including help applying for green cards, citizenship, and other immigration services. This work is more critical than ever, as recent federal decisions have rolled back protections for hundreds of thousands of immigrants with humanitarian parole or Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
- Afterschool and Youth Programs: Our largest-ever afterschool program engaged 50 students in art, learning, and connection. (Watch the highlight video here!) These spaces build belonging and confidence for refugee youth navigating a new culture.
- Maternal Child Health: 48 new moms received support through our maternal child health program, connecting them to essential resources. One mom even named her baby after her Canopy case manager!
Deepening Community Connections
At the heart of our work is the belief that welcome is a community effort. This year, you’ve shown up again and again to make that vision real.
- Volunteer Engagement: 283 volunteers served as mentors, tutors, drivers, and community navigators. Every hour they gave helped families feel more rooted and welcomed in the community.
- Community Education: We hosted or participated in 89 events that reached 5,081 people, sharing powerful stories and building understanding about the refugee experience. Our goal is to double that number by year’s end. Invite a speaker to your school, workplace, or community group here.
- Support from Donors: 1,090 individuals, businesses, and faith communities have given generously to sustain our mission. Your support makes every success possible. Interested in deepening your impact? Become a monthly donor here and be part of the Long Welcome.
Facing Financial Challenges with Resolve
This year, we faced a major blow: the unexpected suspension of our two largest federal grants. The loss required quick and difficult decisions. Prior to the election, Canopy had a staff of 47 talented and compassionate welcomers. Today, Canopy’s team is down to 33 experts in all aspects of refugee services and community integration. If you are an employer, we hope you will have the opportunity to hire someone who has experience at Canopy. They are the best people.
While we continue to operate with federal and foundation grants, we know that sustainable funding is essential to long-term impact.
Looking Ahead: A Future Full of Hope
These past months have tested us, but they’ve also reminded us why this work matters. Because of you, families are building safe new lives. Children are thriving in school. New moms are holding healthy babies. And entire communities are learning what it means to truly welcome.
We remain committed and full of hope for what’s ahead.
Thank you for standing with us. Let’s keep building a community where everyone belongs.
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