Canopy NWA’s Long Welcome: How Refugees Thrive in Northwest Arkansas
I Am Northwest Arkansas®
A Community's Response to Refugee Resettlement
This chapter explores the United States Refugee Resettlement Program, underlining its humanitarian goals amidst rising global displacement. It highlights a grassroots movement in Northwest Arkansas that emerged in response to the Syrian refugee crisis, showcasing community solidarity and successful local resettlement efforts.
About the Show:
"We work towards integration, not assimilation. Both the newcomer and the existing community come together, braiding the strengths of one another—it makes a stronger community overall."
– Joanna Krause
On this episode of I Am Northwest Arkansas®, host Randy Wilburn sits down with leaders and team members from Canopy NWA—a powerful local nonprofit that has welcomed over 900+ refugees from 29 countries since 2016. Together, they discuss the heart of refugee resettlement in Northwest Arkansas and how Canopy’s community-driven “long welcome” model is changing lives.
Joanna Krause (Executive Director), Saratiel Mugisha (Case Manager and himself a former Canopy client), and Shabnam Faizy (Youth Services) offer personal insights into the challenges refugees face and the support that Canopy NWA provides, from meeting basic needs and finding community to entrepreneurship, youth services, and navigating the path to citizenship.
With federal refugee resettlement programs on pause, Canopy NWA’s role is more vital than ever. Learn how their “path to thriving” model has helped launch 21 new refugee- and immigrant-owned businesses in the past year and why integration—not just assimilation—creates a thriving region for everyone.
This inspiring episode is full of personal stories, practical support tips, and ways YOU can get involved to help make Northwest Arkansas a place of hope and belonging for newcomers.
Key Takeaways:
- Canopy NWA’s “long welcome” approach guides refugees well beyond the first 90 days, ensuring needs like housing, health, education, and mental health are met.
- Integration means working with both refugees and local residents to build new communities together.
- Entrepreneurship is a key focus—helping newcomers start businesses and use their skills in ways that benefit the whole region.
- Youth programs support refugee students emotionally, academically, and socially, preparing them for long-term success.
- Legal services at Canopy NWA help refugees and immigrants navigate the path to permanent residency and citizenship.
- Community engagement—whether through donations, volunteering, or advocacy—is essential to Canopy’s success, especially during times of political and federal funding uncertainty.
All this and more on this episode of the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast.
Important Links and Mentions on the Show*
- Website: CanopyNWA.org
- Canopy NWA on Facebook
- Canopy NWA on Instagram
- Canopy NWA on LinkedIn
- Inspired Hands (refugee women’s cottage industry, order bread/baklava/chutney and more)
- World Refugee Day – annual event held in June by Canopy NWA
- Canopy NWA Volunteer Opportunities and Donation Information
- FindItNWA.com NWA’s Hyperlocal Business Directory
Tune in to KUAF 91.3 FM to listen to the I Am Northwest Arkansas® podcast on Ozarks at Large every Tuesday at 12 Noon and 7 PM CST. And, check us out on their podcast as well.
This episode is sponsored by*
*Note: some of the resources mentioned may be affiliate links. This means we get paid a commission (at no extra cost to you) if you use that link to make a purchase.
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Thank you for listening to this I am Northwest Arkansas podcast episode. We showcase businesses, culture, entrepreneurship, and life in the Ozarks.
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Mentioned in this episode:
ONBoardNWA.com
Looking for your next career move in Northwest Arkansas? Check out ONBoardNWA.com, the hyper-local job board designed to connect job seekers with leading employers in our community. From entry-level positions to executive roles, ONBoardNWA is your one-stop shop for job opportunities right here in NWA. Take the next step in your career and visit ONBoardNWA.com today.
FindItNWA.com
🎧 This episode is brought to you by FindItNWA.com – the hyper-local business directory made for Northwest Arkansas. From local eats to trusted pros, it’s the go-to spot for discovering what’s great nearby. 📣 Are you a business owner? Get listed today and connect with thousands of locals looking for what you offer. 👉 Visit FindItNWA.com to explore or join now.
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