Disaster Mission Trips
0
In Aid & Supplies Distributed
$
0
Countries Served
0
Deika Morrison serves as Executive Director of Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) Caribbean.
As a teenager, she lived through Hurricane Gilbert in Jamaica. For months, there was no electricity or running water. Living through the storm was one thing; living through its aftermath was another. The experience influenced her decision to study water and environmental systems, alongside economics and finance. She went on to earn degrees from the School of Engineering and Applied Science and The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University.
Her career spans business, consulting and public service, including serving as a legislator, regulator and policymaker. Her work across the Caribbean has connected her with communities, organizations and the diaspora. She has also worked extensively with children and in education.
Following Hurricane Beryl’s impact on Jamaica, Deika reached out to GEM to help affected communities and went on to lead its rebuilding efforts. She also proposed a GEM Caribbean headquarters in Kingston and negotiated memoranda of understanding with Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to strengthen disaster response coordination.
Her current focus includes supporting families, restoring homes and helping schools and communities recover following major disasters, including Hurricane Melissa.
For Deika, the work is about being prepared to help when it matters - bringing resources, relationships and local understanding together to help communities rebuild and become more resilient. To learn more about the important work that Deika is doing on the ground to help Jamaica recover, visit the link in our bio or GEM.org @deikamorrison
GAZA UPDATE | FACING THE WINTER TOGETHER
As heavy rains flood tents across Gaza, families face another struggle: keeping their children warm and dry.
Throughout October, GEM MENA ground teams reached thousands of displaced families and children despite enormous challenges, delivering food, hygiene supplies and clean water while preparing shelter and classrooms.
Food kits reached 1,644 households, 8,289 people across camps in Khan Younis, Central Gaza and Gaza, helping parents who have lost their homes and income put meals on the table.
Another 62,480 kg of bulk food is ready for distribution: flour, rice, lentils, chickpeas, white beans, sunflower oil, pasta, bulgur, tuna, sweet corn, chopped tomato and sugar.
With GEM Europe / HumanDoc, hygiene kits reached 560 households, 2,690 people. Through HCI, another 3,521 orphaned children received hygiene kits. Where soap and clean water are scarce, these essentials help protect against skin diseases and infections while preserving dignity.
Teams supplied 114 m³ of clean drinking water to 12 camps across the Gaza Strip, helping prevent waterborne illness and diarrhea, serious threats to displaced children.
In southern Gaza, our new education center is complete. Six classrooms are ready to welcome 270 orphaned children, with school bags and stationery for every child. After years of disrupted schooling, a classroom offers routine, safety and hope.
Of 5,000 tents on the way, the first 684 have arrived for families in greatest need. As winter closes in, shelter offers protection from the cold and rain.
A meal, clean water, a classroom, a dry place to sleep, each delivery supports a family facing another uncertain day. Every distribution is documented and tracked so aid reaches those it is intended for.
Stand with the families of Gaza this winter. Learn more at the link in our bio or GEM.org @hcicanada @globalempowermentmissionmena @globalempowermentmissioneur
TWO YEARS OF IMPACT IN JAMAICA 🇯🇲
Hurricanes Melissa & Beryl Update
Since Hurricane Beryl struck in 2024, GEM has stood alongside Jamaica through two devastating hurricanes. Just over a year later, Category 5 Hurricane Melissa tore away roofs, damaged schools and forced families still rebuilding to begin again.
Since 2024, GEM has installed or repaired over 1,200 roofs across Jamaica, helping families reclaim the safety of home.
We’ve repaired and replaced school roofs and built temporary classrooms so children can keep learning while permanent facilities are restored.
Our 2025–2026 Melissa response includes:
• $16,345,655 in humanitarian aid delivered
• Over 4.15 million pounds of aid distributed
• 25 cargo planes, 74 shipping containers and 7 cruise ships supporting deliveries
• 12 school roof repairs
• 30 temporary classrooms constructed
• More than 3,000 volunteers activated
Behind every roof is a family finding security again. Behind every classroom is a child whose future cannot wait.
Our teams have also supported health centres, delivered essential supplies and installed solar streetlights where prolonged outages left communities in darkness, prioritizing older adults, people with disabilities, pregnant women and families with young children.
With two Kingston warehouses and a permanent GEM Caribbean branch, our local teams remain committed to long-term recovery alongside ODPEM, CDEMA, our donors, partners and volunteers.
Jamaica, your resilience and determination inspire us every day. We’re here, and we’ll keep showing up.
Thank you to our incredible partners:
@sficaribbeanstrong @lyn.thalia @afjcares @romarley @iomjamaica @statedept @wegmans @bobmarleyfoundation @irie @odpem @ghettoyouthsfoundation @jdfsoldier @direalshaggy @royalcaribbean @iom.jamaica @foodforthepoorja @tdbank_us @bankunited.official @crownfoundation @mairoliver @marlonhill @airlinkflight @dhlus @jetblue @pbunitedway @heartofoceanreef
#Jamaica #HurricaneMelissa #HurricaneBeryl #DisasterRecovery #RebuildingCommunities
By All Means Necessary 🇺🇦
To date, Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), in partnership with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, has successfully delivered 10 tons of humanitarian aid into Oleshky, Kherson Oblast, Ukraine, in coordination with the Governor of Kherson.
Despite the extraordinary challenges of reaching vulnerable communities in frontline and hard-to-access areas, our teams remain committed to finding innovative solutions and utilizing every safe, authorized means necessary to deliver lifesaving assistance to those who need it most.
Our deepest gratitude to Howard G. Buffett for his unwavering commitment, leadership, and continued support for the people of Ukraine.
By all means necessary, we will continue finding ways to reach those who need us most. 🇺🇦
🇻🇪 WHEN EVERY SECOND COUNTS | VIDEO RECAP
A look back at our panel at @startupvenezuela_ in #Caracas, bringing together humanitarian response and engineering expertise in the aftermath of Venezuela’s June 24 earthquake.
Moderated by @alina.capponi, EVP of Global Affairs at @globalempowermentmission, the conversation featured @kitmiyamoto, founder and Global CEO of @miyamoto_international, alongside GEM President & Founder @michaelcapponi.
Working in partnership with the U.S. @statedept and @usembassyve, Miyamoto International is advancing structural assessments and recovery planning, while @globalempowermentmissionlatam and @welove_foundation continue delivering critical humanitarian assistance to affected communities.
Special thanks to @etorbar, our partners, donors, and the Venezuelan diaspora for making this collective effort possible.
#Venezuela #EarthquakeRecovery #HumanitarianResponse
VENEZUELA EARTHQUAKE | 4-MONTH MISSION RECAP
Today marks 4 months since the devastating twin earthquakes struck Venezuela. Our @globalempowermentmissionlatam VZ and @welove_foundation teams have been on the ground since the beginning and will continue to maintain offices and a warehouse in La Guaira, distributing aid on a daily basis for as long as there is a need.
As of today, our earthquake response, in partnership with @statedept, the Venezuelan diaspora, and @welove_foundation, has delivered $50 MILLION in humanitarian aid, 9,538 pallets totaling 8.1 MILLION pounds, 32 cargo planes, 375 shipping containers, and 5 military landing craft, supporting over 250,000 people per month. WE ARE COMMITTED TO DOUBLING THIS BY THE 1-year mark on June 24, 2027, therefore reaching $100 MILLION IN AID FOR #VENEZUELA.
There is still much work ahead, and our commitment to the Venezuelan people remains unwavering. Very special gratitude to all of our mission partners: @oceanbankus @miamidolphins @amazon @manacommon @publix @royalcaribbean @bankofamerica @felixpago @pricesmart @braves @redsox @astros @aman @loandepot @onespaworld @owpbrokers @bankunited.official @cadillacchampionship @goyafoods @goyagives @edringtonamericas @monatofficial @intermiamicf @themiamifc @sperformancehub @univisionfoundation @univision @televisaunivision @virginunite
PANAMA EARTHQUAKE | GEM LATAM Disaster Response
Following the devastating earthquake and aftershocks across Panama, Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, DHL, the Government of Panama, and First Lady Maricel de Mulino, mobilized a humanitarian response to assist affected communities.
On October 16, a cargo flight from Miami delivered 100 pallets of emergency supplies - more than 43 metric tons of aid valued at over $375,000 USD. The shipment included Family Necessity Kits, food, hygiene supplies, mattresses, blankets, tarps, and other essentials.
Following ground assessments led by GEM LATAM Director of Operations Luis Velasquez, our teams began multi-day distributions across Veraguas, Herrera, and Los Santos, reaching remote coastal villages and rural communities with difficult road access.
From Mariato, Malena, Torio, and Palo Seco to Soná, Santiago, La Mesa, Pesé, Tonosí, Playa Venao, and Macaracas, GEM worked with local authorities and volunteers to deliver aid directly to affected families.
On October 19, GEM joined U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera, Panamanian officials, and local leaders in Tonosí, providing assistance to more than 300 families and delivering 200 school desks to support local schools.
GEM is also coordinating with the Chabad community in Playa Venao to identify ongoing recovery needs. @chabadvenao @yariv_klein lapinamora
We thank the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy in Panama, DHL, the Government of Panama, First Lady Maricel de Mulino, and all local partners and volunteers for making this mission possible.
Support GEM’s ongoing disaster response at GEM.org or the link in our bio. @statedept @dhl_global @mulinomaricel @ambassadorcabrera @usembpan
#GEM #PanamaEarthquake #HumanitarianAid #DisasterResponse
GEM USA WEST | CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES 🔥
When wildfires threaten our communities, every moment counts. Preparation is what makes rapid response possible.
Thanks to GEM’s year-round prepositioning of emergency supplies and resources, our teams are already delivering critical relief supplies today across Southern California, supporting communities impacted by the latest wildfires.
GEM USA West maintains teams in Los Angeles and Chico, Northern California, allowing us to mobilize quickly when disaster strikes. Our teams have spent years responding to devastating wildfires, supporting survivors through immediate relief and the long road to recovery.
We know firsthand what wildfire devastation looks like. The 2018 Camp Fire burned 153,336 acres, destroyed 18,804 structures, and claimed 85 civilian lives. For our Northern California team, this tragedy remains deeply personal. Behind every statistic is a family, a home, and a community whose life has been changed forever.
Today, our teams are closely monitoring the Norte Fire in Orange County, which has burned approximately 570 acres, reached 25% containment, and damaged or destroyed at least seven homes. The fire initially forced approximately 16,000 residents to evacuate, with evacuation orders since lifted as firefighters made significant progress.
Strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions continue to underscore the importance of preparedness across Southern California.
From Chico to Los Angeles, GEM USA West is positioned not just to respond, but to respond immediately.
Because effective disaster response isn’t just about showing up after the flames are extinguished. It’s about preparing long before disaster strikes, delivering help when it’s needed most, and standing alongside families throughout recovery.
When disaster strikes, GEM USA West is already in motion.
#GEMUSAWest #DisasterResponse #WildfireRelief #CaliforniaWildfires #CommunityRecovery @good360usa @amazon
Last night, our founder and president, @MichaelCapponi, was honoured to receive the Global Impact Award at the @cityofdoral’s 2026 Mayor and Chiefs Gala. The City of Doral has played an instrumental role in supporting GEM’s humanitarian logistics hub, bringing together local communities and diaspora groups in response to the recent earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia.
Over the past 4 months alone, these collective efforts have helped mobilise more than $100 million dollars in humanitarian aid, with the support of over 25,000 volunteers. This is what makes @globalempowermentmission’s model so unique. Through innovative public private partnerships, we unite cities, governments, businesses, community organisations and volunteers around a shared mission. Everyone contributes, and together we turn compassion into immediate, measurable impact.
Special thanks to our incredible GEM teams, our donors, our corporate partners, our board of directors, @welove_foundation, @santichumaceiro, @statedept @miamidadeem @prologis @doralpd and to everyone who has helped make this mission possible.
This award belongs to all of you. Stronger together. @pp4kfoundation
GEM PANAMA EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE 🇵🇦
Today, we delivered more than 40 tons of critical humanitarian supplies to #Panama following the devastating October 9th earthquake.
A DHL humanitarian cargo aircraft arrived from Miami carrying 100 pallets of emergency relief supplies, with a combined value of approximately $350,000 in donated goods and transportation.
Our shipment includes:
• 53 pallets of GEM Family Necessity Kits, containing food and essential hygiene supplies.
• School desks to support affected educational facilities.
• Emergency shelter supplies, including tarps, mattresses, and blankets.
• Flashlights, N95 masks, diapers, and other essential necessities.
GEM’s advance response team has been on the ground assessing earthquake-affected communities, identifying urgent needs, and coordinating a direct distribution strategy.
Beginning Saturday, October 17th, our teams will distribute aid across 11 communities, starting in Santiago and continuing through Soná, Playa Venao, Torio, Mariato, Penonomé, Aguadulce, Los Pozos, Pesé, Pedasí, and Macaracas.
Our focus remains on getting humanitarian assistance directly into the hands of families who need it most.
This mission was made possible through collaboration between Global Empowerment Mission, the U.S. Department of State, and DHL, which generously donated the cargo flight.
We are grateful to the U.S. Ambassador to Panama, the Government of Panama, DHL, and our local partners for helping facilitate this rapid humanitarian response. @statedept @dhl_global @dhlus @ambassadorcabrera @usembpan
HURRICANE ISAIAS | FLORIDA | ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS
Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) teams remain on the ground in Florida’s Panhandle, continuing to distribute essential disaster relief supplies and cash assistance to communities hardest hit by Hurricane Isaias.
Thanks to the generous support of our partner, @good360usa, GEM has received a substantial donation of bottled water to help families still struggling with power outages and water shortages in the aftermath of the storm.
Relief distributions are ongoing in Santa Rosa and Escambria Counties, and surrounding communities, where GEM teams are providing critical supplies to help impacted families address their most immediate needs as they begin the recovery process.
As these communities work to rebuild and restore a sense of normalcy, GEM remains committed to delivering direct assistance where it is needed most.
To learn more about this mission or support our ongoing relief efforts, visit the link in our bio or GEM.org. @flewthecoop_ @gofundmepro
COLOMBIA EARTHQUAKE | 2 MONTH RECAP
Two months after the August 10 earthquake, GEM, in partnership with the U.S. @statedept and @usembassybogota, continues delivering critical humanitarian assistance to communities across Colombia.
125,000+ PEOPLE REACHED | 74 MUNICIPALITIES | 6 DEPARTMENTS | $5.69M IN AID DELIVERED
@globalempowermentmissionlatam teams have distributed Family Necessity Kits, food, water, medical supplies, generators, and shelter essentials to 84 municipalities with affected families, hospitals, firefighters, and Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities, including Emberá and Wounaan populations.
According to UN OCHA reporting, GEM ranks #1 in reported food packs.
8 cargo flights transported critical supplies, followed by a major maritime shipment aboard the Colombian Navy’s ARC La Guajira, carrying 19 containers and 116 pallets of aid from GEM headquarters in Miami.
GEM LATAM is also advancing recovery and reconstruction efforts l @hospitalsantandercaicedonia in Caicedonia, Valle del Cauca @hospitalsantandercaicedonia
These operations are made possible through our smart partnerships model.
Special gratitude to First Lady Ana Lucía Pineda @analu_pineda and her Colombia Un Solo Corazón initiative, @APCColombia, @UNGRD_oficial, the @gobernacionquindio, @alcaldiadecali, Sociedad Portuaria de Buenaventura, the Colombian @armadacolombia ejercitonacionalcolombia, and @asocana. A special thank you as well to the Colombian Diaspora, the City of Doral, Mayor Fraga, Councilman Pineyro, and all the community leaders, volunteers, donors, and corporate partners who have stepped up. We couldn’t do this without you.
Thank you to our extraordinary donors and partners: @armadacolombia @dhlexpress @avianca @univisionfoundation @citynationalbankofflorida @bankunited.official @the_agi_group @kingdomcharitabletrust @florida.blue @royalcaribbean @themiamifc @goodwillsfl @onespaworld @rworldfl @HOERBIGER_global @prologis @marcanthony @goyafoods @goya_gives @christifrag @councilmanpineyro @edgarramirez25 @bankofamerica
Deika Morrison serves as Executive Director of Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) Caribbean.
As a teenager, she lived through Hurricane Gilbert in Jamaica. For months, there was no electricity or running water. Living through the storm was one thing; living through its aftermath was another. The experience influenced her decision to study water and environmental systems, alongside economics and finance. She went on to earn degrees from the School of Engineering and Applied Science and The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, as well as the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Harvard University.
Her career spans business, consulting and public service, including serving as a legislator, regulator and policymaker. Her work across the Caribbean has connected her with communities, organizations and the diaspora. She has also worked extensively with children and in education.
Following Hurricane Beryl’s impact on Jamaica, Deika reached out to GEM to help affected communities and went on to lead its rebuilding efforts. She also proposed a GEM Caribbean headquarters in Kingston and negotiated memoranda of understanding with Jamaica’s Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM) and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) to strengthen disaster response coordination.
Her current focus includes supporting families, restoring homes and helping schools and communities recover following major disasters, including Hurricane Melissa.
For Deika, the work is about being prepared to help when it matters - bringing resources, relationships and local understanding together to help communities rebuild and become more resilient. To learn more about the important work that Deika is doing on the ground to help Jamaica recover, visit the link in our bio or GEM.org @deikamorrison
GAZA UPDATE | FACING THE WINTER TOGETHER
As heavy rains flood tents across Gaza, families face another struggle: keeping their children warm and dry.
Throughout October, GEM MENA ground teams reached thousands of displaced families and children despite enormous challenges, delivering food, hygiene supplies and clean water while preparing shelter and classrooms.
Food kits reached 1,644 households, 8,289 people across camps in Khan Younis, Central Gaza and Gaza, helping parents who have lost their homes and income put meals on the table.
Another 62,480 kg of bulk food is ready for distribution: flour, rice, lentils, chickpeas, white beans, sunflower oil, pasta, bulgur, tuna, sweet corn, chopped tomato and sugar.
With GEM Europe / HumanDoc, hygiene kits reached 560 households, 2,690 people. Through HCI, another 3,521 orphaned children received hygiene kits. Where soap and clean water are scarce, these essentials help protect against skin diseases and infections while preserving dignity.
Teams supplied 114 m³ of clean drinking water to 12 camps across the Gaza Strip, helping prevent waterborne illness and diarrhea, serious threats to displaced children.
In southern Gaza, our new education center is complete. Six classrooms are ready to welcome 270 orphaned children, with school bags and stationery for every child. After years of disrupted schooling, a classroom offers routine, safety and hope.
Of 5,000 tents on the way, the first 684 have arrived for families in greatest need. As winter closes in, shelter offers protection from the cold and rain.
A meal, clean water, a classroom, a dry place to sleep, each delivery supports a family facing another uncertain day. Every distribution is documented and tracked so aid reaches those it is intended for.
Stand with the families of Gaza this winter. Learn more at the link in our bio or GEM.org @hcicanada @globalempowermentmissionmena @globalempowermentmissioneur
TWO YEARS OF IMPACT IN JAMAICA 🇯🇲
Hurricanes Melissa & Beryl Update
Since Hurricane Beryl struck in 2024, GEM has stood alongside Jamaica through two devastating hurricanes. Just over a year later, Category 5 Hurricane Melissa tore away roofs, damaged schools and forced families still rebuilding to begin again.
Since 2024, GEM has installed or repaired over 1,200 roofs across Jamaica, helping families reclaim the safety of home.
We’ve repaired and replaced school roofs and built temporary classrooms so children can keep learning while permanent facilities are restored.
Our 2025–2026 Melissa response includes:
• $16,345,655 in humanitarian aid delivered
• Over 4.15 million pounds of aid distributed
• 25 cargo planes, 74 shipping containers and 7 cruise ships supporting deliveries
• 12 school roof repairs
• 30 temporary classrooms constructed
• More than 3,000 volunteers activated
Behind every roof is a family finding security again. Behind every classroom is a child whose future cannot wait.
Our teams have also supported health centres, delivered essential supplies and installed solar streetlights where prolonged outages left communities in darkness, prioritizing older adults, people with disabilities, pregnant women and families with young children.
With two Kingston warehouses and a permanent GEM Caribbean branch, our local teams remain committed to long-term recovery alongside ODPEM, CDEMA, our donors, partners and volunteers.
Jamaica, your resilience and determination inspire us every day. We’re here, and we’ll keep showing up.
Thank you to our incredible partners:
@sficaribbeanstrong @lyn.thalia @afjcares @romarley @iomjamaica @statedept @wegmans @bobmarleyfoundation @irie @odpem @ghettoyouthsfoundation @jdfsoldier @direalshaggy @royalcaribbean @iom.jamaica @foodforthepoorja @tdbank_us @bankunited.official @crownfoundation @mairoliver @marlonhill @airlinkflight @dhlus @jetblue @pbunitedway @heartofoceanreef
#Jamaica #HurricaneMelissa #HurricaneBeryl #DisasterRecovery #RebuildingCommunities
By All Means Necessary 🇺🇦
To date, Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), in partnership with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, has successfully delivered 10 tons of humanitarian aid into Oleshky, Kherson Oblast, Ukraine, in coordination with the Governor of Kherson.
Despite the extraordinary challenges of reaching vulnerable communities in frontline and hard-to-access areas, our teams remain committed to finding innovative solutions and utilizing every safe, authorized means necessary to deliver lifesaving assistance to those who need it most.
Our deepest gratitude to Howard G. Buffett for his unwavering commitment, leadership, and continued support for the people of Ukraine.
By all means necessary, we will continue finding ways to reach those who need us most. 🇺🇦
🇻🇪 WHEN EVERY SECOND COUNTS | VIDEO RECAP
A look back at our panel at @startupvenezuela_ in #Caracas, bringing together humanitarian response and engineering expertise in the aftermath of Venezuela’s June 24 earthquake.
Moderated by @alina.capponi, EVP of Global Affairs at @globalempowermentmission, the conversation featured @kitmiyamoto, founder and Global CEO of @miyamoto_international, alongside GEM President & Founder @michaelcapponi.
Working in partnership with the U.S. @statedept and @usembassyve, Miyamoto International is advancing structural assessments and recovery planning, while @globalempowermentmissionlatam and @welove_foundation continue delivering critical humanitarian assistance to affected communities.
Special thanks to @etorbar, our partners, donors, and the Venezuelan diaspora for making this collective effort possible.
#Venezuela #EarthquakeRecovery #HumanitarianResponse
VENEZUELA EARTHQUAKE | 4-MONTH MISSION RECAP
Today marks 4 months since the devastating twin earthquakes struck Venezuela. Our @globalempowermentmissionlatam VZ and @welove_foundation teams have been on the ground since the beginning and will continue to maintain offices and a warehouse in La Guaira, distributing aid on a daily basis for as long as there is a need.
As of today, our earthquake response, in partnership with @statedept, the Venezuelan diaspora, and @welove_foundation, has delivered $50 MILLION in humanitarian aid, 9,538 pallets totaling 8.1 MILLION pounds, 32 cargo planes, 375 shipping containers, and 5 military landing craft, supporting over 250,000 people per month. WE ARE COMMITTED TO DOUBLING THIS BY THE 1-year mark on June 24, 2027, therefore reaching $100 MILLION IN AID FOR #VENEZUELA.
There is still much work ahead, and our commitment to the Venezuelan people remains unwavering. Very special gratitude to all of our mission partners: @oceanbankus @miamidolphins @amazon @manacommon @publix @royalcaribbean @bankofamerica @felixpago @pricesmart @braves @redsox @astros @aman @loandepot @onespaworld @owpbrokers @bankunited.official @cadillacchampionship @goyafoods @goyagives @edringtonamericas @monatofficial @intermiamicf @themiamifc @sperformancehub @univisionfoundation @univision @televisaunivision @virginunite
PANAMA EARTHQUAKE | GEM LATAM Disaster Response
Following the devastating earthquake and aftershocks across Panama, Global Empowerment Mission (GEM), in coordination with the U.S. Department of State, DHL, the Government of Panama, and First Lady Maricel de Mulino, mobilized a humanitarian response to assist affected communities.
On October 16, a cargo flight from Miami delivered 100 pallets of emergency supplies - more than 43 metric tons of aid valued at over $375,000 USD. The shipment included Family Necessity Kits, food, hygiene supplies, mattresses, blankets, tarps, and other essentials.
Following ground assessments led by GEM LATAM Director of Operations Luis Velasquez, our teams began multi-day distributions across Veraguas, Herrera, and Los Santos, reaching remote coastal villages and rural communities with difficult road access.
From Mariato, Malena, Torio, and Palo Seco to Soná, Santiago, La Mesa, Pesé, Tonosí, Playa Venao, and Macaracas, GEM worked with local authorities and volunteers to deliver aid directly to affected families.
On October 19, GEM joined U.S. Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera, Panamanian officials, and local leaders in Tonosí, providing assistance to more than 300 families and delivering 200 school desks to support local schools.
GEM is also coordinating with the Chabad community in Playa Venao to identify ongoing recovery needs. @chabadvenao @yariv_klein lapinamora
We thank the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Embassy in Panama, DHL, the Government of Panama, First Lady Maricel de Mulino, and all local partners and volunteers for making this mission possible.
Support GEM’s ongoing disaster response at GEM.org or the link in our bio. @statedept @dhl_global @mulinomaricel @ambassadorcabrera @usembpan
#GEM #PanamaEarthquake #HumanitarianAid #DisasterResponse
GEM USA WEST | CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES 🔥
When wildfires threaten our communities, every moment counts. Preparation is what makes rapid response possible.
Thanks to GEM’s year-round prepositioning of emergency supplies and resources, our teams are already delivering critical relief supplies today across Southern California, supporting communities impacted by the latest wildfires.
GEM USA West maintains teams in Los Angeles and Chico, Northern California, allowing us to mobilize quickly when disaster strikes. Our teams have spent years responding to devastating wildfires, supporting survivors through immediate relief and the long road to recovery.
We know firsthand what wildfire devastation looks like. The 2018 Camp Fire burned 153,336 acres, destroyed 18,804 structures, and claimed 85 civilian lives. For our Northern California team, this tragedy remains deeply personal. Behind every statistic is a family, a home, and a community whose life has been changed forever.
Today, our teams are closely monitoring the Norte Fire in Orange County, which has burned approximately 570 acres, reached 25% containment, and damaged or destroyed at least seven homes. The fire initially forced approximately 16,000 residents to evacuate, with evacuation orders since lifted as firefighters made significant progress.
Strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions continue to underscore the importance of preparedness across Southern California.
From Chico to Los Angeles, GEM USA West is positioned not just to respond, but to respond immediately.
Because effective disaster response isn’t just about showing up after the flames are extinguished. It’s about preparing long before disaster strikes, delivering help when it’s needed most, and standing alongside families throughout recovery.
When disaster strikes, GEM USA West is already in motion.
#GEMUSAWest #DisasterResponse #WildfireRelief #CaliforniaWildfires #CommunityRecovery @good360usa @amazon
Last night, our founder and president, @MichaelCapponi, was honoured to receive the Global Impact Award at the @cityofdoral’s 2026 Mayor and Chiefs Gala. The City of Doral has played an instrumental role in supporting GEM’s humanitarian logistics hub, bringing together local communities and diaspora groups in response to the recent earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia.
Over the past 4 months alone, these collective efforts have helped mobilise more than $100 million dollars in humanitarian aid, with the support of over 25,000 volunteers. This is what makes @globalempowermentmission’s model so unique. Through innovative public private partnerships, we unite cities, governments, businesses, community organisations and volunteers around a shared mission. Everyone contributes, and together we turn compassion into immediate, measurable impact.
Special thanks to our incredible GEM teams, our donors, our corporate partners, our board of directors, @welove_foundation, @santichumaceiro, @statedept @miamidadeem @prologis @doralpd and to everyone who has helped make this mission possible.
This award belongs to all of you. Stronger together. @pp4kfoundation
GEM PANAMA EARTHQUAKE RESPONSE 🇵🇦
Today, we delivered more than 40 tons of critical humanitarian supplies to #Panama following the devastating October 9th earthquake.
A DHL humanitarian cargo aircraft arrived from Miami carrying 100 pallets of emergency relief supplies, with a combined value of approximately $350,000 in donated goods and transportation.
Our shipment includes:
• 53 pallets of GEM Family Necessity Kits, containing food and essential hygiene supplies.
• School desks to support affected educational facilities.
• Emergency shelter supplies, including tarps, mattresses, and blankets.
• Flashlights, N95 masks, diapers, and other essential necessities.
GEM’s advance response team has been on the ground assessing earthquake-affected communities, identifying urgent needs, and coordinating a direct distribution strategy.
Beginning Saturday, October 17th, our teams will distribute aid across 11 communities, starting in Santiago and continuing through Soná, Playa Venao, Torio, Mariato, Penonomé, Aguadulce, Los Pozos, Pesé, Pedasí, and Macaracas.
Our focus remains on getting humanitarian assistance directly into the hands of families who need it most.
This mission was made possible through collaboration between Global Empowerment Mission, the U.S. Department of State, and DHL, which generously donated the cargo flight.
We are grateful to the U.S. Ambassador to Panama, the Government of Panama, DHL, and our local partners for helping facilitate this rapid humanitarian response. @statedept @dhl_global @dhlus @ambassadorcabrera @usembpan
HURRICANE ISAIAS | FLORIDA | ONGOING RELIEF EFFORTS
Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) teams remain on the ground in Florida’s Panhandle, continuing to distribute essential disaster relief supplies and cash assistance to communities hardest hit by Hurricane Isaias.
Thanks to the generous support of our partner, @good360usa, GEM has received a substantial donation of bottled water to help families still struggling with power outages and water shortages in the aftermath of the storm.
Relief distributions are ongoing in Santa Rosa and Escambria Counties, and surrounding communities, where GEM teams are providing critical supplies to help impacted families address their most immediate needs as they begin the recovery process.
As these communities work to rebuild and restore a sense of normalcy, GEM remains committed to delivering direct assistance where it is needed most.
To learn more about this mission or support our ongoing relief efforts, visit the link in our bio or GEM.org. @flewthecoop_ @gofundmepro
COLOMBIA EARTHQUAKE | 2 MONTH RECAP
Two months after the August 10 earthquake, GEM, in partnership with the U.S. @statedept and @usembassybogota, continues delivering critical humanitarian assistance to communities across Colombia.
125,000+ PEOPLE REACHED | 74 MUNICIPALITIES | 6 DEPARTMENTS | $5.69M IN AID DELIVERED
@globalempowermentmissionlatam teams have distributed Family Necessity Kits, food, water, medical supplies, generators, and shelter essentials to 84 municipalities with affected families, hospitals, firefighters, and Indigenous and Afro-Colombian communities, including Emberá and Wounaan populations.
According to UN OCHA reporting, GEM ranks #1 in reported food packs.
8 cargo flights transported critical supplies, followed by a major maritime shipment aboard the Colombian Navy’s ARC La Guajira, carrying 19 containers and 116 pallets of aid from GEM headquarters in Miami.
GEM LATAM is also advancing recovery and reconstruction efforts l @hospitalsantandercaicedonia in Caicedonia, Valle del Cauca @hospitalsantandercaicedonia
These operations are made possible through our smart partnerships model.
Special gratitude to First Lady Ana Lucía Pineda @analu_pineda and her Colombia Un Solo Corazón initiative, @APCColombia, @UNGRD_oficial, the @gobernacionquindio, @alcaldiadecali, Sociedad Portuaria de Buenaventura, the Colombian @armadacolombia ejercitonacionalcolombia, and @asocana. A special thank you as well to the Colombian Diaspora, the City of Doral, Mayor Fraga, Councilman Pineyro, and all the community leaders, volunteers, donors, and corporate partners who have stepped up. We couldn’t do this without you.
Thank you to our extraordinary donors and partners: @armadacolombia @dhlexpress @avianca @univisionfoundation @citynationalbankofflorida @bankunited.official @the_agi_group @kingdomcharitabletrust @florida.blue @royalcaribbean @themiamifc @goodwillsfl @onespaworld @rworldfl @HOERBIGER_global @prologis @marcanthony @goyafoods @goya_gives @christifrag @councilmanpineyro @edgarramirez25 @bankofamerica
Our main objectives are to deliver the most amount of aid, to the most amount of people in need, in the shortest amount of time and with the least amount of costs to our donors. This also applies to our rebuilding efforts.
Make checks payable and send them to:
Global Empowerment Mission
1850 NW 84TH AVE, SUITE 100 DORAL FL 33126
Please email: finance@
Send Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other cryptocurrencies securely via our integration on the giving block.
Send your highly appreciated shares from your brokerage firm or bank to our account with
Today, GEM has one of the highest dollar vs impact ratios across all disaster relief organizations, and is committed to disrupting disaster relief with a complete 180-degree response. We solve complex problems efficiently with innovative solutions, through smart partnerships, globally.
