By Tammy Taylor

For Mehak Goel, volunteering with the American Red Cross is a natural extension of what she values most – family, connection and community. A dedicated volunteer from Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, Mehak brings her personal experience to her work with the Restoring Family Links (RFL) program, supporting people who have been separated from loved ones.

Having left a large extended family in India to pursue her Ph.D. in the United States, Mehak knows all too well the feelings of longing and emptiness that come with family separation. Now a busy mom of two and a clinical research professional, she understands the profound importance that family connections and support systems can have when trying to raise a healthy family.

“Home is not a building; home is where our family is,” Mehak said. “No matter where your family lives, whether in a small room, a big mansion or a hotel, if you believe family is the key to your happiness, you’ll want to be part of the RFL program.”

Connecting with people is central to Mehak’s volunteer service, whether she is chatting in coffee shops or engaging with community members. She finds joy in hearing the diverse stories of those around her. She focuses on building trust, understanding that meaningful relationships take time to develop.

“There’s nothing more rewarding for me than when someone opens up, sharing personal experiences and struggles related to family or recounting the challenges faced by others they know,” Mehak said.

Each year, the American Red Cross helps reconnect hundreds of families separated by international crises, such as conflict, disaster or migration, through its Restoring Family Links program. This work to locate missing loved ones is done by dedicated volunteers like Mehak, in partnership with Red Cross and Red Crescent societies around the world. 

The three short words, “I am alive,” may be all that is needed to ease the minds of distraught loved ones half a world away. For Mehak, the chance to provide that reconnection is motivation.

“If even one family finds its way back together, believe me, the feeling that a family got another chance at being whole again is beyond words,” Mehak reflects.

To begin a search, call our Restoring Family Links helpline at 844-782-9441 or visit redcross.org/familylinks.