The Outreach Committee is happy to update the congregation on Canopy NWA, one of our ministry partners for the last several years. For those who aren’t familiar with this organization, Canopy NWA is a refugee resettlement agency based out of Fayetteville. They are a nonprofit organization with a mission to “create a community where refugees are welcomed and equipped with all they need to build new lives.” One of the primary ways they accomplish this mission is through an initiative called the Long Welcome. This excerpt from Canopy’s website explains the initiative, “In 2019, Canopy NWA launched the Long Welcome, a comprehensive, multi-year refugee integration strategy. This initiative was designed to provide phased support through tailored resources, structured processes, and dynamic programming—empowering refugees as they transition from initial resettlement to becoming fully engaged, contributing members of the Northwest Arkansas community.”

We have supported Canopy and their Long Welcome initiative through financial contributions, volunteered time from several FPC members to help new families orient to the community, and donations of furniture and welcome kits (bins of essential household items for each area of the home) for incoming refugee families. It is a joy and privilege to partner with them in the work of welcoming refugees to our community!

Looking ahead, there are several opportunities to learn about and support Canopy NWA coming up soon. World Refugee Day is June 20th and Canopy is hosting an event to honor refugees’ strength and resilience and to celebrate their rich cultures. The event will be free and open to the public. Expect live music, international food, family activities, and an opportunity to meet and support refugee owned businesses. The event will be held at Fayetteville Town Center from 10am-2pm. It would be such an amazing show of support if several FPC congregants were able to attend and meet both Canopy staff and new neighbors in our community. If you’d like to attend please RSVP at this link.

At this time, Canopy is working on resettling several families from South Africa. They are in need of several welcome kits as well as furniture, including dining tables, couches, dressers, side tables, and twin beds. The sign up sheet to provide furniture or a welcome kit can be found at this link. If you have something to donate or have any questions, contact Caitlin Kretzer at 918-978-3804. Canopy is also looking for volunteer mentors and volunteers to work with children. If this is something you’d be interested in please contact Caitlin Kretzer and she will get you connected with the right person at Canopy.

In a recent email from a Canopy staff member we received this thank you,” On behalf of the entire team at Canopy, I want to express our gratitude for your congregation’s continued support and for the practical, faith-driven way you all show up for this work. Your financial contributions, in-kind giving, and prayers mean more than we can say.” Church, the work we do in welcoming refugees to our community by supporting Canopy NWA is not small and does not go unnoticed. We are welcoming the stranger as Christ has called us to do. Thank you for your donations, prayers, and support of this ministry partner.