Fort Collins, CO – June 5, 2025 – On World Refugee Day (June 20), Arboretum Coffee, a nonprofit café powered by refugee and immigrant apprentices, will launch Courageous Welcome, a 24-hour giving campaign to raise $19,200, enough to fund a full year of paid apprenticeships.
The goal? To turn a day of recognition into a day of action—and help immigrant and refugee neighbors move from isolation to belonging, and from survival to leadership.
“Immigrants don’t just survive,” says Hannah Norris, Executive Director of Arboretum Coffee. “They rebuild. They lead. They dream. This campaign is about creating spaces where they can do that with support and belonging.”
Every $640 raised funds a full week of barista training, English and life skills classes, and trauma-informed mentorship for one apprentice. The campaign invites supporters to give, share, or become fundraisers themselves and join a joyful movement of welcome.
At the heart of the campaign is a new short film (debuting June 19) featuring stories of apprentices like Fatema and Allie, two courageous women rebuilding their lives in Northern Colorado.
Fatema, who fled Afghanistan with her daughter, found more than a job through Arboretum’s apprenticeship. She found her voice and confidence.
“Back home, I felt powerless,” Fatema says. “Here, I believe I can grow. I am proud.”
Allie, who came from Haiti, is now preparing for a career in healthcare, gaining language skills, confidence, and community through the program.
Together, these women represent the heart of Courageous Welcome: healing, dignity, and new beginnings.
Throughout the day, Arboretum will share behind-the-scenes glimpses, real-time updates, and stories of transformation, as the community rallies around this bold goal.
Campaign Highlights:
Giving Day: Friday, June 20, 2025 (World Refugee Day)
Goal: $19,200 in 24 hours
Impact: Funds hands on barista and customer service training, English and life skills classes, legal and mental health resources, mentorship, and a dignified and welcoming space to grow for 8–10 immigrants
Fundraiser Prizes: The top 2 fundraisers choose from a private coffee tasting, latte art workshop, or free shop rental
Donor Rewards: First 25 donors of $100+ receive exclusive Arboretum merch
Learn more or get involved:
👉 https://www.coloradogives.org/event/Courageouswelcome
About Arboretum Coffee
Arboretum Coffee is a nonprofit coffee shop and social enterprise based in Fort Collins, Colorado, crafting futures through coffee. Dedicated to creating opportunities for refugees and immigrants, the shop offers a paid apprenticeship program that provides training, mentorship, and community integration. Through its mission-driven model, Arboretum Coffee cultivates flourishing communities where individuals thrive.