By Cristina Maisel

For Godelive Bakamba of East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania, service is more than something she does – it’s part of who she is.

“My father was a military guy,” Bakamba said. “Growing up, I always saw my father serving the people, so that’s part of me.”

Bakamba was born in Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The family later moved to the eastern part of the country, where she attended boarding school. Her teenage years were upended by conflict when girls at her school were targeted by armed groups, prompting the nuns to flee with the students, walking 45 kilometers through the forest to seek safety.

“I was left all alone in this war zone,” she said. “It’s not like something you just wake up to and find yourself abandoned.”

Because her father had been called back into military service, Bakamba had nowhere to go. She sought refuge at a church, helping to teach and care for young children. It was her first experience with volunteer work, though she didn’t think of it that way at the time.

“I was just helping people, like I had watched my father do for so many years,” she said.

It was during that time that she encountered the Red Cross for the first time, responding to a violent clash in her city. When the fighting ended, she saw Red Cross volunteers who came to the area to recover those who had died.

“They were doing it voluntarily,” she said. “I went back to the church and told myself, I really need to do what those people are doing. It’s a great cause.”

That experience stayed with her. When her father eventually found her and arranged her return to Kinshasa, she was struck by the contrast.

“People were laughing, drinking, the restaurants were open,” she said. “Everyone was living their lives. I was shocked.”

After completing her education, Bakamba began helping where she could, volunteering with international humanitarian organizations. Still, one goal remained.

“My good heart was telling me I have to work once with the Red Cross,” she said.

She moved to the United States in 2023 with her husband and their three sons. In May 2024, she began volunteering with the American Red Cross.

“I want to do something great for my community,” she said. “I want to get involved. I’m hungry to learn.”

Bakamba now leads volunteer recruitment with the American Red Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania. She helps new volunteers find the right role in the organization and get started with their service.

“I like to go to events and talk to people about the Red Cross,” she said. “People don’t just wake up and become a volunteer. They need motivation. I’m proud and blessed to be there, explaining how the Red Cross helps.”

She is also teaching the next generation what it means to serve.

“I always tell my kids, you need to help,” she said. “You can’t just sit and see other people doing the job. Don’t wait. Go and put yourself on the cause and do something.”

Rooted in her upbringing and shaped by conflict, Bakamba's commitment to service now helps others find their purpose.

“I hope I help someone, somewhere, someday, because when I was young, I needed help and some people helped me. So I want to make a difference, bring some change and help someone in need.”

Volunteers like Godelive Bakamba are the cornerstone of the American Red Cross, making up 90% of our workforce. If you’re ready to make a difference in your community, there’s a place for you. Visit redcross.org/volunteer to get started.