Dear {{First Name}}:
There is so much happening around the world right now, and at times it can feel overwhelming. In recent days especially, we have all felt the weight of global uncertainty. While that is very real, I want to share a few meaningful moments unfolding here in our own community.
March 8 is International Women’s Day, a time to honor the strength and leadership of women around the world and in our neighborhoods. I am continually inspired by the women in our programs who are building businesses, leading their families, and shaping our shared future.
Local elections are underway. I encourage every eligible citizen to exercise their right to vote. Civic participation shapes the kind of community we want to live in.
NWA Early Giving begins later this month. NWA Gives is a powerful expression of community, when Northwest Arkansas comes together to support local nonprofits. I look forward to sharing how you can help strengthen welcome and belonging across our region.
Join us on April 17 for our International Food Festival. Tickets are still available, and I hope you will experience the rich flavors and stories of our community firsthand.
We are also proud to celebrate BEK Restaurant being named one of the Top 10 Restaurants in Rogers. Their recognition reflects the hard work and creativity that define our community.
We currently have a few open positions at Canopy. If you know someone who is passionate about community, welcome, and impact, please share these opportunities within your network and encourage them to apply.
I invite you to read our latest blog written by one of my colleagues, offering a meaningful glimpse into the heart behind this work.
Thank you for being part of this community. Even in uncertain times, steady and hopeful work continues here at home. Please visit our events page and follow us on social media to stay connected.
Regards,
Khalid Ahmadzai
Senior Director of Partnership
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Women Who Make Home Possible
For Women’s History Month, Kara Townsend, Canopy NWA’s Housing Manager and Communications Coordinator, shares her experience in refugee resettlement. She highlights the women who turn empty apartments into homes and help families find their footing in Northwest Arkansas. Through her stories, we see how these quiet heroes make our community a place where neighbors truly belong.
Read More Here |
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What We Carry - Reception and Panel Discussion
Join us on March 10 from 5:30 to 7:00 PM at the Bentonville Public Library for a special evening conversation around the exhibit, What We Carry.
Hear from artist Tram Colwin and selected refugee participants as they share the stories behind the watercolor exhibit featuring meaningful items carried on their journey to America. Inspired Hands will be providing sweet treats, and we’ll wrap up with time for audience questions.
📍Bentonville Public Library| 405 S Main St. Bentonville, AR
🗓 March 10th, 2026
⏰ Art Reception- 5:30pm
Panel Discussion- 6:00 pm
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Inspired Hands Pop Up
Inspired Hands is participating in another pop up at NWACC on March 10th from 10AM to 2PM in the Student Center. Stop by to pick up your favorites like Bibi Jaan’s famous chutney or try their delicious new apple jam. We can’t wait to see you there!
📍NWACC Student Center | 1 College Dr. Bentonville, AR
🗓 March 10th, 2026
⏰ 10am-2pm |
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Save the Date: NWA Gives!
NWA Gives is Northwest Arkansas’ annual day of giving, bringing our community together to support local nonprofits. Early giving starts March 26 at 7:00 AM. Every gift to Canopy helps refugees rebuild their lives and thrive in our community. Stay tuned for more details and get ready to give generously! |
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Canopy's 2nd International Food Festival
This will be a 5-course dinner prepared by refugee women and immigrant entrepreneurs, featuring dishes from around the world put on by the Entrepreneurship Department.
We have limited space, so don’t miss out on this event! Click here to get your tickets!
📍 Spring Kitchen | 900 White Rd, Springdale, AR
🗓 Friday, April 17
⏰ Doors open at 6:30 PM | Dinner served at 7:00 PM | Event ends by 9:00 PM |
AmeriCorps VISTA Opportunities at Canopy NWA
We are excited to welcome three AmeriCorps VISTA members in 2026–2027 to support programs that expand opportunities and stability for immigrants and refugees in Northwest Arkansas. Each position focuses on a different area of impact, from citizenship education to volunteer engagement and community partnerships.
Citizenship Program Specialist VISTA- This position supports a community-informed citizenship program, helping immigrants and refugees access naturalization through ESL resources, volunteer engagement, and community partnerships that strengthen long-term stability in Northwest Arkansas.
Volunteer Engagement Specialist VISTA- This role focuses on strengthening Canopy’s volunteer programs to better support refugee families. The VISTA will help recruit, onboard, and train volunteers, improve systems for volunteer engagement, and build sustainable community partnerships that expand access to essential services and support long-term stability.
Community Engagement & Partnerships VISTA- This role supports Canopy’s community engagement and partnership efforts. The VISTA will help build and maintain partnerships with local businesses and organizations, support community events, track engagement and donor data, and strengthen internal systems to expand Canopy’s reach and impact in Northwest Arkansas.
Click Here for more information
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Thank you for being part of this community of welcome. You can give toward The Long Welcome now, one-time or monthly, using the link below. |
Canopy Northwest Arkansas is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization under the Internal Revenue Code. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law. EIN: 81-1305235
1142 N. Futrall Drive | Fayetteville, AR 72703
479-717-7358 | communications@canopynwa.org |
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