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 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 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: Sue Artiga, Business Owner and Canopy Alum
Meet Sue Artiga, Founder of Pinchos Pinchos is a delightful dessert mobile cart owned and operated by Sue Artiga. Specializing in frozen fruit skewers dipped in rich chocolate and loaded with delicious toppings, Pinchos brings a fun, refreshing twist to sweet treats on the go. Sue launched her business and completed the 12-week Entrepreneurship Class…
Read MoreCircles That Can’t Be Broken: Honoring Our Circle of Welcome Volunteers by Kim Elder
As the new year arrived, anticipation filled the air, Canopy NWA was busy preparing to welcome new neighbors. Five families scheduled to arrive in Northwest Arkansas during the month of January, just before Inauguration Day. Among these arrivals were two young individuals finally reuniting with their mother after years apart. The last family touched down…
Read MoreVISTAs Facing the Government Shutdown
At Canopy NWA, we’re no strangers to resilience. Every day, we see it in the families we serve, the volunteers who dedicate their time, and in our staff and AmeriCorps VISTAs who bring our mission to life. Right now, the shutdown is putting that resilience to the test. At the start of the government shutdown,…
Read MoreAdapting with Purpose: Canopy’s 2025 Mid-Year Update
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…
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