Joanna Krause, Executive Director of Canopy NWA, and Shabnam Faizy, a refugee from Afghanistan working in Youth Services, discuss the transformative impact of Canopy NWA on refugee lives in Northwest Arkansas. They delve into the challenges of resettlement, emphasizing the need for community integration over mere assimilation. Their 'long welcome' approach has launched numerous refugee-owned businesses and has become vital amid federal program pauses. Personal stories reveal resilience, hope, and the importance of community involvement in creating a supportive environment for newcomers.
