Reflections 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…

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A 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…

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PODCAST | 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…

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From 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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Meet Peggy Hicks, of the Compassion Coalition of NW Arkansas

APR 25 2024 “In preparing for this interview, I put together some Canopy facts to share. Since 2017, when we began partnering with Canopy, we’ve clothed 688 refugees, totaling $75,680.” – Peggy Hicks, Executive Director of The Compassion Coalition of Northwest Arkansas Can you tell me how the Compassion Coalition got started? It started with…

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Community Celebration: A Women’s Day Gathering

APR 23 2024 Written By: Abea Pendeza, Furaha Mulenga, and Linda Mlongeca Translated to English by Linda Mlongeca Canopy staff members were graciously invited by clients from the Congolese community to partake in a vibrant celebration of International Women’s Day. The event was a lively affair, featuring a rich tapestry of traditional Congolese cuisine, music,…

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PODCAST – A Conversation about New Americans exercising their right to vote.

MAR 18 2024 In this episode, Jonathan Nunez talks about the importance of New Americans exercising their right to vote. Why it’s essential to have your voice heard and ways to connect with your local and state officials. Tune in to gain insights and inspiration to make your voice count. LISTEN HERE Transcript Coming here…

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Empowering Communities: Exploring the Role of CDFIs in Lending & Economic Development

NOV 15 2023 Are you a local entrepreneur with a business dream? Our entrepreneurship team is sharing important information to help you achieve your goal! Learn about the role of CDFIs: In the realm of financial institutions, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) have emerged as powerful catalysts for economic growth and empowerment. With a distinct…

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Understanding LLCs: Do You Need One for Your Business?

SEP 27 2023 The Canopy Entrepreneurship team works with business owners and entrepreneurs all across our region with ideas to begin brilliant businesses to serve this community. We have been thrilled to have the opportunity to support so many immigrant business owners as they bring vibrant new ideas to NWA! Thinking about starting a business?…

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