This winter Walton Arts Center launched the Nonprofit Assistance Program to provide assistance to fellow nonprofits within our community. Made possible by support from Walmart, the Nonprofit Assistance Program enables Walton Arts Center and the Walmart AMP to share resources, like space and the talents of our team, so local nonprofits can continue to pursue their missions.
We might not all serve the same people or the same causes, but we all work together to make Northwest Arkansas better.
Our team of advocates contacted local nonprofits about the resources available to them through the program, including:
Complimentary space for a socially distanced meeting or small private event
Walton Arts Center and/or the Walmart AMP as a drop-off location for collection drives
Consultation with staff members
Professional services
Volunteers for projects and events
The response has been amazing, not just in the requests for assistance, but in the myriad of nonprofits who continue working hard, despite current challenges, to meet the needs of our community. If you want to learn more about the Nonprofit Assistance Program please visit waltonartscenter.org/nap.
In addition to helping, we also wanted to introduce you to some of the dedicated people and organizations who are making a difference every day. So, we will be highlighting a nonprofit partner of the month. This month we want to introduce you to Arkansas Immigrant Defense (AID). Walton Arts Center provided volunteers to help pack and deliver fresh food to area immigrant and refugee families.
5 Things You Need to Know About Arkansas Immigrant Defense
Luis Paganelli Marin
Luis Paganelli Marin, COVID Coordinator for AID
1. AID is a nonprofit law firm that provides immigration legal services to immigrants and refugees, community education and advocacy primarily in NWA.
2. As a result of the pandemic, AID clients have experienced income loss and food insecurity due to reduced work hours. In response, AID created a fresh food assistance program in partnership with St. James Food Pantry.
3. The program has served over 4,200 individuals since October 2020 and will continue through the end of April 2021.
4. Volunteers meet every two weeks to pack and deliver 160 boxes full of fresh foods to the doorsteps of food-insecure immigrant and refugee families across Washington, Benton and Carroll counties.
5. Through partnerships with UAMS and the NWA Council, AID has also helped meet the needs of clients and members of the immigrant and refugee community by providing health education and rent/utility assistance.
How You Can Get Involved
What is AID’s biggest need right now?
AID clients have disproportionately suffered from the social and economic effects of the pandemic and require broad financial relief for rent, utilities and other essentials including food.
How can people get involved with AID?
People can get involved by following us on social media, sharing our posts, signing up for packing or delivery volunteer opportunities and by reaching out to AID offering your advocacy, expertise and passion.
What do you want people to know/understand about the immigrant and refugee community in Northwest Arkansas?
Like other regions in the U.S., immigrants and refugees are integral to our communities. They are your friends, neighbors, co-workers and loved ones who seek to thrive with dignity in NWA.
Learn more about the work of AID at aidarkansas.com.