Meet Employee of the Quarter

From Bosnia to Serving Other Refugees

Mukadesa Muftic is the employee of the quarter for the closing months of 2007. She was selected for this honor because she has been steadfast in her positive, can-do attitude while serving others in the Multi-Cultural Division's Tucson Refugee office.

Mukadesa knows first hand the challenges refugees face. In 1992, she and her two teenagers, refugees from the war in Bosnia, fled to Austria. They remained there for a little more than a year. "It was difficult to work and get the children registered for school," explained Mukadesa.

"God Bless America," she said, "When we arrived here in 1993 we were able to have a normal life. The kids started school right away and I found employment."

Today she is a case manager and matching-grant coordinator for LSS-SW. Mukadesa helps to put in place a "normal life' for newly arrived refugees. She began working for LSS-SW in 2002, when the agency absorbed her previous employer, Episcopal Community Services.

Work is pleasant and fascinating for her. She values working with clients and co-workers from all over the world. "Food, dress, language, accents, and customs are so interesting," she exclaimed. But those very differences can make acclimating to America difficult.

While settling into her new American apartment, she nearly set the place a blaze when spilt milk caught on fire. "This could not have happened on the style of stove I used in Europe," she explained.

Today, she helps African refugees over come even greater challenges. Some lived in villages where they drew their own water and cooked on open fires. Modern plumbing and appliances are frightening the first few days.

"It requires patience to review and explain so many new customs and ways to the refugees," said Mukadesa. "Even the concept of being on time or keeping an appointment is new for some. The changes do not come in a day, but they do come within a couple of months. They cope wonderfully. It makes me so happy to help them make that transition. I have nothing but respect for them."

"LSS staff and volunteers help new arrivals cope with culture shock and establish a normal life. Whether they are a refugee from Cuba, the Middle East Russia, Burma, or Burundi-all face the challenge of not speaking English, not having family, and not having the basic essentials to start life anew. It takes teamwork to make our clients feel more comfortable and help them make connections," said Mukadesa. "Whether it is a mosque or a church, we help them find their community."

Dragan Subotic, Operations' Manager for LSS-SW's Multicultural Division characterizes her work ethic as, "Mukadesa goes the extra mile and is so reliable. She has been at the Tucson office the longest; the other staff in Tucson can go to her for guidance."

"Mukadesa never seems to have a bad day," said Dragan. Imagine the effort it took to find housing for a family of 12 in Tucson. She points with great pride that she was able to do this.