DEC 21 2021
By Joanna Krause, Executive Director
This year, we accomplished so much as a welcoming community. Together in 2020, we:
Welcomed 23 refugees to Arkansas!
Delivered 324 boxes of food, in partnership with the Outback Pantry, Seeds that Feed and UAMS.
Held our first Plan It! Entrepreneurship training. 7 clients graduated this 12-week course.
Provided extended case management to 33 women and mothers.
Helped 12 refugees secure new employment.
Distributed 60 backpacks with school supplies and masks in partnership with St. James Missionary Baptist Church.
Held 8 health promotion events – in person and virtually– and distributed health information in 7 languages.
Ensured our families are digitally connected. 36 households now have laptops and WiFi.
Provided 48 clients with immigration legal services.
Received 704 hours in volunteer contributions for a value of $14,080!
Connected with 51 local faith communities who supported our mission.
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.
Without question, a growing refugee community will thrive in our rapidly growing region here in Northwest Arkansas. We have jobs waiting for our newcomers. A variety of employers- from nursing homes to manufacturing- call our office weekly to ask for referrals to fill their job vacancies. Opportunity awaits for refugees to enrich our community with their talents, culture and faith. As we are preparing to resettle more refugees, we want to ensure that we are ready to welcome and equip our newest neighbors to build new lives.
We can’t do that without you! We need you to join us in building an incredible community for refugee families to come 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. 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. 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.
- 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. 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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