Dear {{First Name}}:
Last week I found myself at the Bentonville Public Library twice. The first visit was to see Tram Colwin's What We Carry exhibition, a powerful reminder of what it means to leave one life behind and begin another somewhere new.
If What We Carry reflects what people bring with them, the second visit reflected what they can become here. On Friday, some of us from Canopy had the honor of attending a naturalization ceremony for one of our clients who had just become a United States citizen. For those of us at Canopy, moments like this feel like a capstone. They remind us that the journey we walk alongside families through The Long Welcome can lead to extraordinary milestones.
Standing in that room as an immigrant myself was deeply moving. The new citizens who took their oath that morning came from Argentina, Azerbaijan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Germany, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Mexico, Morocco, Peru, the Philippines, South Africa, Türkiye, and the United Kingdom. Each story, each journey, now woven into the American tapestry we all share.
It was a joyful morning.
I invite you to read a beautiful reflection written by my colleague Aarozo Farhad about her work at Canopy and what welcome looks like from the inside. Read Aarozo’s Reflection
Our friends at Rogers City Lifestyle have also written a beautiful story about "Home" featuring the Martinez family. We invite you to take a moment to read this inspiring piece. Read the Martinez Family Story
And finally, a reminder that NWA Gives is just around the corner. This is one of the important days of the year for our community. If Canopy’s work has inspired you, we hope you will consider standing with us again this year to support The Long Welcome for refugee families in Northwest Arkansas.
Spring is coming. We are ready for it, and for everything it promises.
Regards,
Khalid Ahmadzai
Senior Director of Partnerships |
New Blog Post
Our Refugee Services Director reflects on her journey at Canopy NWA, how supporting refugees and newcomers has shaped her leadership, connected her to her own story, and shown the power of empathy and community every single day.
Read More Here |
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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! |
Sicaru+Henna Inspired Hands Pop Up
Come find Inspired Hands at Sicarú Coffee Roasters on Saturday, March 28!
Naan, jams, chutneys, cookies, baklava, and so much more! We will have henna available as well!
📆 Saturday, March 28
🕙 8:30AM - 12:30PM
📍 716 W Sycamore St, Fayetteville |
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Inspired Hands Pre Order Meals
March's pre-order meal is here! This month we are featuring Karen and Gladys from Guatemala, who will be preparing dobladas and manjar!
Show some love to our women entrepreneurs by placing an order and enjoying some delicious food. All meals are prepared at Spring Kitchen, a certified commercial kitchen in Springdale.
Pre-Order Pickup Details:
📅 Tuesday, March 31
⏰ Pick up anytime between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM
📍 Spring Kitchen, Springdale
Place your orders Here
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A Place to Call Home
Home means something different when you’ve had to leave everything behind.
This story with @rogerscitylifestyle shares what it looks like to rebuild, to find community, and to begin again here in Northwest Arkansas. We’re so grateful to be part of journeys like this.
Read More Here |
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AmeriCorps VISTA Opportunities at Canopy NWA
We are still looking to welcome two more 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.
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.
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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