JAN 11 2021
By Joanna Krause, Executive Director
In case you did not have a chance to see our impact from 2020, here is a quick recap:
Looking ahead to 2021, the Biden Administration has committed to raising the Presidential Determination – the number of refugee arrivals permitted in a year – from 15,000 to 125,000. This policy change will literally save lives by providing an opportunity for safety and freedom for thousands. It will reunite families, provide access to healthcare in the US, and give so many a chance to rebuild their lives.
We can’t do that without you! As 2021 is underway, we need you to join us in building an incredible community for refugee families to come in 2021.
Be a part of our welcoming community in 2021!
- Join a cosponsor team and help orient a family to Northwest Arkansas during their first 6 months. Cosponsors are our families first friends. Our goal is to train 15 teams by April 2021. Attend a virtual cosponsor informational session to learn more and ask any questions you have. RSVP for our January or February sessions here!
- Rent to a refugee family. Another one of our goals is to expand our housing network in 2021. Canopy pays rent and utilities until the household is financially self-sufficient. Do you have a rental property? Are you interested in helping us secure stable, safe housing for our new families? Please contact admin@canopynwa.org.
- Offer a job. As we expect more arrivals, we want to grow our network of employers. Are you an employer who values diversity and inclusion in your workforce? Canopy can refer a pre-screened candidate to your opening. Call our Employment Specialist with job openings! 479.799.4718
- Advocate. Sign-up for our Advocacy Newsletter to be alerted when your voice is needed! Sign up here. Our goal is to double our Advocacy Newsletter subscribers in 2021!
- Join our Community of Welcome. In 2020, our Community of Welcome donors gave $46,874! This supported our Long Welcome and allowed us to provide youth services, extended case management, and asset building through our Integration Unit. We are committed to continuing the programs and services so our refugee families can follow the Path to Thriving in their first 5 years in the US.
- Our goal is to double this amount in 2021 so we can continue to offer these services to all refugees, asylees, and victims of human trafficking and meet the needs of our growing number of households. This year, we are aiming to add 30 more members to our Community of Welcome! Learn more about how to join our Community of Welcome now!
I cannot wait to see our refugees and community model thriving together in 2021. Thank you for helping us welcome refugees home in 2020 and for continuing to help us build a welcoming community in 2021!
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