Orly Koko is an accomplished young man. Fluent in seven languages and college-educated with a focus in IT and computer science, Orly’s greatest ambition has been to “make my momma proud” with a career in business. Based on the smile across his mother’s face during our interview, he has certainly done just that. I had…
Read MoreA Reflection on International Women’s Day
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 MoreThe Fear of Uncertainty
By: Wael Rabeay, Case Manager As usual, I found myself sitting on those uneven seats in the small waiting area tucked into a corner of XNA airport. The whole place felt like a metaphor—half-finished, slightly chaotic, under renovation. It was late. I was waiting for the Salim family (name changed for privacy), the last refugee…
Read MoreA Journey of Resilience and Hope: My Refugee Story
My name is Malath, a name that means “refuge,” “haven,” and “safe place” in Arabic. This week marked 11 years since my arrival in the United States as a refugee from Iraq—a journey that has profoundly transformed my life and the lives of my children. I never imagined leaving behind my home, my career, and…
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 MoreLusia Akilimali’s Journey: From Aspiration to Achievement
“Yesterday, I had the privilege of sitting down with Lusia Akilimali in her cozy Springdale home. Her laughter echoed warmly as she cradled her two-month-old grandbaby, and her stories painted a picture of resilience, hard work, and the transformative power of community.”– Khalid Ahmadzai A Personal Connection I first met the Kalulu family in 2018,…
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…
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