By Khalid Ahmadzai I am a lover of words and their origins. I find joy in exploring the etymology of words, peeling back their layers, and discovering the stories they carry. Today, in honor of International Women’s Day and my mother’s birthday, I want to share a reflection I originally posted on my social media….
Read MoreWE WON’T ABANDON REFUGEES IN OUR COMMUNITY.
Canopy has been instructed to abandon the refugee families who arrived in the last three months.We won’t abandon refugees in our community. –January 27th 2025, A Message from Joanna Krause, Executive Director of Canopy NWA Dear Friends, On Friday, the Presidential Administration issued a stop work order for the Refugee Resettlement Reception and Placement Program….
Read MorePause on Refugee Travel | What Now?
– A Message from Joanna Krause, Executive Director of Canopy NWA On Monday, President Trump signed an Executive Order indefinitely suspending the United States Refugee Admissions Program. This morning, Canopy received travel cancellations for refugees we were preparing to welcome. Calling someone to let them know their family member is no longer coming is devastating. …
Read MoreA Journey of Resilience: A Conversation with Abdullah Over Tea
– By Khalid Ahmadzai, Senior Director of Economic & Community Development Yesterday evening, I sat down with Abdullah, a Syrian refugee who arrived in Northwest Arkansas almost a year ago. Over steaming cups of tea, he shared his incredible journey from Syria to the U.S., the challenges he faced, and the hopes that keep him…
Read MoreCanopy NWA Featured in Giving Machine Debut in Downtown Bentonville
11:30 AM | Downtown Bentonville The Giving Machine has officially arrived in Northwest Arkansas! Located in the Bentonville Square, come experience the Giving Machine from December 5th through December 16th. These innovative machines offer a unique way to support five local nonprofit organizations and two global partners, all while spreading the spirit of giving. Despite…
Read MoreOn Renting to Refugees: A Conversation with Landlord and Developer Lisa Bass
Published November 18th, 2024 | Written by Tyler Stenson, Canopy’s Communications Coordinator Meet Lisa Bass, one of the first female contractors in Arkansas, a business owner, builder, and landlord. A true Arkansan, Lisa has witnessed our region’s growth over the past twenty years. Based in Conway, she has strategically invested in residential building projects across…
Read MoreReflections on Resettlement and National Native American Heritage Month
– A conversation with Canopy Staff Members, Joe Farmer and Tyler Stenson – “There’s nothing wrong with connecting with another culture. Moving beyond acquaintanceships into cross-cultural relationships doesn’t mean we claim the culture; rather, it fosters empathy and understanding. Above all, understanding creates celebration, and if anything, reduces fear.” November marks National Native American Heritage…
Read MoreA Special Edition: Wael Rabeay
In the late spring of 2024, Case Manager Wael Rabeay and Executive Director Joanna Krause sat down over a cup of Chai to discuss an upcoming milestone. In surpassing 800 individuals resettled in NW Arkansas through Canopy, Wael offered his background as a journalist to publish a formal report to celebrate the news. Prior to joining…
Read MorePODCAST | Embracing Diversity: The Journey of Black Immigrants in America
This Canopy Conversations: Juneteenth Special invites listeners in on a candid conversation among Canopy NWA staff members from across the African continent, including a Kenyan born and raised in the US, a Black woman exploring her African roots and a former refugee turned US Citizen as they share their unique perspectives on living and working…
Read MoreFrom Kabul to Northwest Arkansas – Joseph Amin’s Inspiring Journey
Welcome to Canopy Conversations, where we bring you candid and unscripted chats about the work of refugee resettlement in Northwest Arkansas. Together, let’s uncover the diverse experiences and perspectives that shape our community. Meet Joseph Amin, a young gentleman whose journey from Kabul, Afghanistan, to becoming a successful business owner in Northwest Arkansas is nothing…
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