Tucson resident recognized for refugee volunteer work with Red Cross

Tucson resident Elissa Maish was honored recently by the American Red Cross with the International Humanitarian Award for her volunteer work.

Maish volunteers about 30 hour per week helping refugees locate missing family members. She often commutes to the Red Cross’ Phoenix office from Tucson to lead the International Services Department, which includes the Restoring Family Links service.

The free program gives families a way to restore contact when they are separated by natural disasters or war.

She coordinates with partner organizations in Southern Arizona to ensure that clients have services when they are needed. She works for organizations ranging from advocacy groups to government agencies.

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Maish was among 11 Red Cross volunteers recognized at an awards ceremony April 22 in the Phoenix area, according to a news release from the Red Cross.

“Elissa’s exceptional personal leadership, dedication and perseverance are a great example to other volunteers. She has spent countless hours shepherding volunteers and employees through the learning process and inspires us all to try just one more avenue for a client,” said Danielle Rudolph, Red Cross Greater Phoenix Chapter volunteer services specialist who nominated Maish.

Maish began volunteering for the Red Cross in 2002 as a way to keep busy after retiring from a 30-year career in the travel business.