April 18th, 2016 is the date that Canopy NWA received its nonprofit designation. That moment kicked off many firsts for Northwest Arkansas and a decade of community welcome of people forced to flee their homes. The 10 year anniversary of the official founding of Canopy NWA invites us to reflect on the tremendous heart, heartache,…
Read More10 Years of Welcome: The Next Chapter Begins
Ten years ago, Canopy NWA began with a simple but powerful mission: to create a community where refugees are welcomed and equipped with all they need to build new lives. But before it became an organization, Canopy was a grassroots movement that was formed by a group of community members who were deeply moved by…
Read MoreFrom Venezuela to Arkansas: Ingrid’s Journey of Courage, Community, and Hope
Ingrid never planned to leave Venezuela. Her life, family, and memories were deeply rootedthere. But over time, political turmoil, economic instability, and the lack of healthcare madeit nearly impossible to raise her children in safety and dignity.At first, Ingrid followed her children to Ecuador, believing she could build a future there. Butsoon, she realized that…
Read MoreFinding Leadership Through Refugee Resettlement
When I joined Canopy NWA as a Program Coordinator in 2021, I could not have imagined how deeply this experience would shape my professional growth and understanding of leadership. As an immigrant, I carried a personal connection to the journeys of many refugees and newcomers. That perspective helped me approach my work with empathy and…
Read MoreWomen Who Make Home Possible
Hi, I’m Kara and I am the Housing Manager and Communications Coordinator at Canopy NWA, but more than that, I am someone who deeply loves this place. I was born in Little Rock and have lived in Arkansas for most of my life. Northwest Arkansas is my home. Early mornings around the Fayetteville Square, eating…
Read MoreWatching Anzuruni’s Future Take Flight
Last Friday, under the soft winter sun on Dickson Street, I met Anzuruni at Puritan Coffee to talk about his next step in life. What unfolded across the table mattered far more than an ordinary conversation. Anzuruni is graduating this May from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Mechanical Engineering with a focus…
Read MoreA Taste of Afghanistan, Right Here in Northwest Arkansas
In early November, Northwest Arkansas welcomed BEK Restaurant & European Gourmet Market, a family-owned restaurant rooted in Afghan culture, hospitality, and the courage it takes to begin again. From the moment you step inside BEK, it is clear this is more than a place to eat. The food carries generations of tradition, and the welcome…
Read MoreCanopy Expands Services with New Anti-Trafficking Program
January Is Human Trafficking Awareness Month January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, a time when organizations across the country work to shed light on one of the most urgent human rights issues of our time. It is also a meaningful moment for Canopy to announce the launch of our Anti-Trafficking Program, a long-needed service designed…
Read MoreImpact Report 2025
Click on the image to open the Impact Report We’re proud to share Canopy NWA’s latest Impact Report, a reflection of a year marked by challenge, resilience, and community. Inside, you’ll find stories of welcome in action, milestones across our programs, and the collective impact made possible by donors, volunteers, partners, and the families we…
Read MoreMeet Your Neighbor: What Volunteering Taught Me About Welcome
By Keith Richards I’m a driver for Canopy clients. When I began to volunteer, I looked forward to meeting some of our new neighbors and hoped to make their transition to America a bit easier. But I didn’t fully consider how the folks who ride with me would enrich my life. Getting to Know Grace…
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