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A Backpack of Hope and Comfort for Children in Crisis

As we continue Hurricane Preparedness Month, we were honored to welcome one of our favorite smart partners @backtoplayorg to #GEM Headquarters.

Together, volunteers assembled and pre-positioned 500 emergency-support backpacks for children affected by hurricanes, floods, wildfires, and other disasters. This initiative is part of our 2026 Hurricane Preparedness efforts to ensure children receive not only essential supplies, but also comfort and emotional support during times of crisis.

Founded by @faith_stearns_ , an Occupational Therapist and Certified ISR Instructor, Back to Play is dedicated to helping children facing adversity, including illness, family instability, and natural disasters - heal, thrive, and build resilience.

Back to Play has previously partnered with GEM to support children impacted by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, the Los Angeles wildfires, the Texas Hill Country floods, and Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica.

Each backpack contains thoughtfully selected items, including hygiene supplies, stuffed animals, blankets, books, art materials, fidget toys, reusable water bottles, flashlights, and other comfort items. Designed using an occupational therapy-informed approach, these backpacks help children regulate emotions, cope with trauma, and regain a sense of normalcy after disaster strikes.

Because when children experience disaster, they need more than relief - they need comfort, care, and hope. To learn more about Back to Play, please visit www.back-to-play.org

#HurricanePreparednessMonth #BackToPlay #DisasterRelief #HopeInAction ...

Erika Ruiz, CPA, brings more than 20 years of experience in accounting, auditing, compliance, financial management, and organizational leadership. A Certified Public Accountant since 2005, her expertise spans nonprofit and for-profit sectors, government-funded programs, donor compliance, risk management, and financial strategy.

As Chief Financial Officer of GEM, Erika oversees the organization’s financial strategy, leading and supporting a team of approximately 26 professionals across multiple branches to ensure operational excellence and effective mission delivery. She is responsible for overseeing all financial activities, compliance, and human resources functions, helping ensure that GEM maintains the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and regulatory compliance. A key aspect of her role is ensuring that mission-related expenses are properly allocated across programs in accordance with donor requirements, grant agreements, and allowable cost guidelines, supporting responsible stewardship of resources and maximizing mission impact.

Prior to joining GEM, Erika served as a Director at a nationally recognized CPA firm, where she led audit engagements for organizations across a broad range of industries, including hospitality, real estate, nonprofit, and professional services. Her experience included working with national and internationally recognized organizations, providing assurance services that supported strong financial reporting, governance, and operational effectiveness.

Erika has also played an active role in managing state and federally funded programs in partnership with the Hawaii Department of Human Services, supporting initiatives designed to assist individuals and families affected by the 2023 Hawaii wildfires. Her work focused on program compliance and financial accountability, helping impacted communities access critical support and recovery services.

She is committed to fostering a culture of integrity, accountability, and continuous improvement while supporting GEM’s mission and long-term sustainability. ...

PRESERVING CULTURE & IDENTITY IN WARTIME….

Yesterday, we proudly reopened the Children’s and Youth Library in Myrhorod, Poltava region of Ukraine. This complete renovation is fully supported by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation.

This library is a vibrant community space where children and young people can read, learn, grow, and connect. Serving a community of more than 41,000 residents, including over 4,500 students from seven city schools, the library plays an important role in supporting education and child development.

Preserving Ukrainian culture is critical during these times. In the face of countless attacks that aim to erase Ukrainian heritage, we remain steadfast. It’s essential that all cultures, especially children have access to their books, language, and traditions.

In nurturing this vibrant cultural legacy, we ensure that future generations carry forward their identity, resilience, and pride. We were happy to create a modern, welcoming environment that will serve generations of children, youth, educators, and families for years to come.

Myrhorod has also welcomed relocated educational institutions from the Luhansk region and serves students from eight rural schools across the community, making this space even more valuable as a hub for learning and opportunity.

#Ukraine #Myrhorod #LibrariesMatter #EducationForAll #CommunityDevelopment ChildDevelopment HowardGBuffettFoundation GEM RebuildingUkraine culture @globalempowermentmission @globalempowermentmissionua ...

Our #GEM Europe & Asia Ground Teams operated today in some of the most remote earthquake-affected areas of Southern Mindanao, including the municipality of Glan in Sarangani Province and the municipality of Jose Abad Santos in Davao Occidental Province.

This was the first day that access became possible to several of these communities after roads were severely damaged by the earthquake. As one of the first humanitarian teams able to reach these areas, we delivered emergency relief supplies to families who had not yet received any assistance.

We traveled as far as road conditions allowed. For communities that remained inaccessible by vehicle, we loaded aid onto motorcycles. Relief bags will be distributed according to beneficiary lists prepared by community leaders.

Many of the communities we visited remain without electricity and access to clean water. Roads are still damaged, making travel and the delivery of aid extremely challenging.

During today’s distribution, we also experienced a 6.2 magnitude aftershock. Residents were visibly frightened, as the earthquake and continuing aftershocks have left them traumatized and fearful of further destruction.

We also distributed toys brought from Poland for children living in these remote villages. For most of them, it was the first toy they had ever received.

Very special thank you to our mission partner, @royalcaribbean for making this mission possible. To learn more visit the link in our bio, or GEM.org ...

As part of our ongoing humanitarian response in Lebanon, the #GEM MENA team, alongside our valued partners HCI and ONSUR, continues to support displaced families and vulnerable communities facing increasingly difficult circumstances.

The prolonged crisis has left many families struggling to meet their most basic needs, with widespread economic hardship affecting communities across the country. Thousands have been displaced from their homes, creating an urgent need for food, hygiene supplies, and other essential resources.

To help meet this need, Global Empowerment Mission has delivered 15 containers of humanitarian aid to Lebanon, providing food, hygiene items, Family Necessity Kits, and other critical supplies to support more than 70,000 individuals. Distributions are currently taking place across Beirut and South Lebanon, ensuring assistance reaches families and individuals who need it most.

These relief efforts provide more than essential supplies, they offer dignity, comfort, and hope during a time of uncertainty and hardship. Through the collective efforts of our teams, partners, and supporters, families are receiving practical assistance that helps ease the burden of displacement and daily struggle.

We are deeply grateful to HCI, ONSUR, and every donor and supporter whose generosity makes this work possible. Together, we remain committed to delivering humanitarian aid wherever it is needed, standing alongside affected communities, restoring hope, and helping families navigate the path toward recovery. @globalempowermentmissionmena @hcicanada To learn more visit the link in our bio section, or GEM.org ...

Following the devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake that struck Mindanao, Philippines, on June 8, Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) Europe, and GEM Asia, in partnership with @royalcaribbean @royalcaribbeanasia , has mobilized emergency relief efforts to support affected communities across the region.

The powerful earthquake, the strongest to impact the area in decades, caused widespread destruction throughout southern Mindanao, damaging thousands of homes, schools, businesses, and critical infrastructure. According to current reports, at least 55 people have lost their lives, more than 1,100 have been injured, and over 45,000+ residents have been displaced from their homes. Tens of thousands more have been affected across the region as recovery efforts continue.

GEM Europe & Asia teams are actively operating in Sarangani Province and General Santos City, among the areas hardest hit by the disaster. Working alongside local partners and authorities, we have already begun distributing emergency relief supplies, including food, clean drinking water, hygiene items, and other essential necessities to affected families.

Beginning this week, our response will expand into additional communities across the region as assessments continue and urgent needs are identified. Reaching vulnerable populations remains challenging, as many roads and transportation routes have been severely damaged by the earthquake and subsequent landslides. To ensure aid reaches those most in need, distributions are being coordinated at accessible locations where families can safely gather and receive assistance.

We are deeply grateful to our partners at Royal Caribbean Group for helping make this response possible. Together, we remain committed to standing alongside the people of the Philippines during this difficult time, delivering critical relief and helping communities begin the long road to recovery. To learn more visit the links in our bio section above or, GEM.org #phillipines #earthquake #humanitarianaid #disasterrelief #GEM ...

Meet the Team | Chief Operating Officer: Jeff Popovich.

Jeff brings decades of leadership, operational management, and disaster response experience to Global Empowerment Mission (GEM). Throughout his career, he has led large-scale operations, built high-performing teams, and developed systems focused on efficiency, accountability, and measurable impact.

As Chief Operating Officer, Jeff oversees GEM’s global operations, helping to drive the organization’s mission through effective disaster response, humanitarian aid distribution, logistics, compliance, warehousing, and long-term recovery programs. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening GEM’s ability to rapidly deploy assistance, manage complex humanitarian operations, and support communities recovering from disasters around the world.

Driven by a commitment to service and operational excellence, Jeff works to ensure that resources are delivered efficiently, partnerships are strengthened, and every mission is executed with accountability, compassion, and transparency. From emergency response and humanitarian relief to rebuilding and recovery initiatives, his focus remains on helping communities recover stronger and more resilient than before.

Today, Jeff continues to lead GEM’s operational strategy and growth, supporting innovative solutions that maximize impact, strengthen partnerships, and ensure aid reaches those who need it most. GEM.org ...

For the third consecutive year, @farmsharefl and @globalempowermentmission (GEM) joined forces to host a statewide Hurricane Preparedness Community Distribution, helping thousands of Florida families prepare before disaster strikes.

Today’s initiative took place simultaneously at eight locations across Florida, with one additional distribution scheduled for tomorrow, June 7th, in Hialeah. Together, these events are providing residents with free hurricane preparedness essentials, including emergency blankets, flashlights, Meals Ready-to-Eat (MREs), dignity kits, hydration powder, food and water, rain ponchos, pet food, and more.

Florida remains one of the nation’s most hurricane-vulnerable states, with millions of residents living in evacuation zones and storm-prone communities. Recent hurricanes have displaced thousands across the Southeast, underscoring the importance of preparedness before a storm arrives.

“Hurricane season can be unpredictable and stressful, but with advanced preparation, residents can survive and thrive after a disaster occurs,” said Stephen Shelley, CEO of Farm Share. “Our goal is to eliminate the financial barriers associated with storm preparedness and ensure every household has access to critical supplies before they are needed.”

“We know disasters are inevitable, but preparedness can make all the difference,” said Michael Capponi, Founder and President of GEM. “We are proud to partner with Farm Share for the third year in a row. Providing these preparedness kits is a critical step in helping communities face worst-case scenarios with greater confidence and resilience.”

This initiative highlights the power of proactive disaster readiness and strategic partnerships. Through GEM’s commitment to Smart Partnerships, organizations can maximize impact, stretch every donor dollar further, and help communities become stronger before the next storm arrives.

Learn more at GEM.org or visit the link in our bio. #hurricane #preparedness #farmshare #gem ...

Meet the Team | Founder & President: Michael Capponi | Michael’s humanitarian journey began in 1999 supporting Kosovo relief efforts through Feed the Children. He later assisted victims of the September 11th attacks through the American Red Cross and served on the Executive Board of United Way of Miami-Dade. In the mid-2000s, he privately funded and built housing centers, clinics, and facilities supporting homeless and drug rehabilitation programs. These experiences laid the foundation for a lifelong commitment to humanitarian service.

Alongside his humanitarian work, @michaelcapponi built a successful career spanning more than two decades in real estate development, construction, and entrepreneurship, gaining valuable expertise in logistics, planning, and operations. His companies earned numerous accolades, including Developer & Builders Alliance Renovation Firm of the Year.

Following the devastating Haiti earthquake in 2010, Michael founded @globalempowermentmission with a vision to challenge traditional aid models and create a faster, more efficient, and accountable approach to humanitarian assistance. Since dedicating himself full-time to GEM in 2019, he has helped grow the organization from a $150,000 annual charity into a humanitarian powerhouse exceeding $262 million in annual revenue, an increase of more than 176,000%.

Michael has participated in hundreds of humanitarian missions worldwide, often deploying directly into disaster and conflict zones. He remains actively engaged in field operations, working alongside local communities, governments, and international partners to develop innovative solutions for relief and recovery.

Under his leadership, GEM has become a global leader in rapid disaster response, long-term recovery, sustainable development, and community rebuilding. Operating in more than 70 countries, GEM has delivered over 542 million meals, completed more than 340,000 repairs, and distributed over $756 million in aid to tens of millions of disaster survivors.

Today, Michael continues to combine entrepreneurial thinking with hands-on operational leadership to maximize impact, empower communities, and help people recover. ...

This Al Adha Eid, amid the challenges faced by families in Gaza, @globalempowermentmissionmena (GEM Mena) was honored to bring moments of joy, hope, and celebrations to 3,500 orphaned children through our Eid Festivals in Gaza, middle and south.

The three day festival was filled with smiles, laughter, entertainment, gifts, activities, and the spirit of togetherness that every child deserves to experience during Eid. For many of these children, the day offered a precious opportunity to create happy memories and feel the warmth of a caring community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to @hcicanada who supported this initiative.

Together, we can continue to bring hope where it is needed most and remind every child that they are valued, loved, and never forgotten. To learn more please visit the link in our bio section, or GEM.org #gemmena #gaza #humanitarian #crisis @nuha.bashir ...

GEM hosted its annual Hurricane Preparedness Press Conference bringing together elected officials, emergency management leaders, international consular representatives, utility providers, and humanitarian organizations to discuss coordinated disaster readiness, response logistics, and recovery planning throughout the region. Communities across Florida and the Caribbean prepare for another potentially dangerous hurricane season. To learn more, please visit the links in our bio, or GEM.org Special thank you to all of our partners for your continued support: #davidandnicoletepperfoundation #hgbf @royalcaribbean @good360usa @cityofdoral @christifraga @n4neighbors @unitedwaymiami @amazon @miamidadeem @miamidadecounty @insidefpl @miamidolphins @flapanthers @sflcaribbeanstrong @miamifoundation @farmsharefl @citynationalbankofflorida ...

Throughout May, we proudly celebrated Haitian Heritage Month, honoring the rich culture, resilient spirit, vibrant history, and lasting contributions of the Haitian people around the world.

At our GEM Haiti branch school, students are learning the importance of environmental stewardship through hands-on gardening and land regeneration initiatives. By cultivating a community garden and planting trees, they are gaining valuable skills that promote sustainability, food security, and a healthier future for their communities.

As we celebrate Haiti’s heritage, we also invest in the next generation of leaders who are helping build a stronger, greener, and more resilient tomorrow. #haiti To learn more visit the link in our bio section above, or GEM.org ...

In the last few days, Ukraine - including Kyiv - suffered one of the largest attacks since the war began in February 2022. Hundreds of drones and missiles targeted the capital and surrounding regions, killing at least four people, injuring nearly 100 more, and damaging residential buildings, schools, cultural landmarks, and critical infrastructure across nearly every district of Kyiv.

The recent attacks caused widespread destruction across Kyiv, with some of the heaviest damage reported in the Solomianskyi, Darnytskyi, Shevchenkivskyi, and Holosiivskyi districts. Residential buildings, schools, markets, and critical civilian infrastructure were heavily impacted, while emergency crews continue rescue and recovery operations across multiple neighborhoods.

Through our partnership with HGBF, GEM has now replaced more than 332,000 windows across Ukraine and continues replacing over 5,000 windows every month.

Every window replaced helps families remain sheltered in their homes and helps slow the growing displacement crisis. Our teams are meeting with local officials to determine which buildings need immediate window replacements.

As soon as rescue teams completed their emergency response operations, GEM teams were already on the ground assessing damage and coordinating immediate support through the GEM–HGBF window replacement program. The rapid replacement of shattered windows is critical to helping families stay safely in their homes and begin recovery as quickly as possible. #ukraine ...

The July 4, 2025 flooding disaster along the Guadalupe River in the Texas Hill Country became one of the deadliest inland flood events in modern Texas history.

The emotional impact of the tragedy deeply affected Texas and the nation, as many of the victims were children attending beloved summer camps that had existed for generations. More than 130 precious lives were lost. Entire communities were left underwater. Homes and businesses were destroyed. Families displaced. Lives forever changed.

Within hours of the disaster, GEM activated Phase 1 of our disaster response — delivering immediate aid and more than $1 million in emergency GEM BStrong Cash Card assistance to flood survivors.

Today, our GEM USA Southwest branch remains on the ground in Central Texas, supporting long-term recovery efforts by delivering and installing drywall for families and small businesses impacted by this catastrophic flooding.

Every delivery is more than material, it is a message of hope, resilience, and restoration. Together, we are proving that true recovery is not just about rebuilding structures — it is about restoring dignity, opportunity, and faith in the future. Your support powers every phase of recovery — from disaster response to reconstruction.

To support those still recovering from the Texas floods, please visit the link in our bio or visit GEM.org.

#TexasFloods #TexasFloodRelief #HillCountryStrong #Texas #HopeAfterDisaster ...

On Friday @globalempowermentmission welcomed volunteers from @cbsmiami and @n4neighbors to GEM headquarters to help pack Hurricane Preparedness kits in preparation ahead of the GEM @farmsharefl June 6th supply distributions across South Florida . Special thanks to @n4neighbors, President & CEO, Katy Meagher, and @swithersnewsy and the team at @cbsmiami for all of your support. It really does, “take a village.”

With hurricane season beginning June 1st, preparedness matters more than ever.
* Saturday, June 6th Distribution locations across Florida include: Miami Gardens, Homestead, Sunrise, Tallahassee, Belle Glade, Fort Myers, Jacksonville, and Lauderdale Lakes.
* Sunday, June 7th Distribution in Hialeah at Milander Park
* Distributions begin at 9 a.m. (Until Supplies Last)

As rising costs continue to impact families, these efforts not only strengthen preparedness but also help relieve financial pressure for those who need it most.

For more information, visit wwww.GEM.org or @farmsharefl
#Neighbors4Neighbors #GlobalEmpowermentMission
#HurricanePreparedness #FloridaStrong #CommunityEngagement ...

GEM was proud to once again participate in the annual ‘National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster’ Conference, continuing commitment to the 4Cs of the #VOADmovement: Cooperation, Communication, Collaboration, and Coordination.

Reconnecting with partners from across the country who are dedicated to serving communities impacted by disasters helps strengthen our collective response efforts. We had the privilege of convening with VOAD leaders, State VALs, Emergency Management, and NGO partners who remain committed to working together to strengthen the capabilities, preparedness, and resilience of states and territories nationwide.

#NVC2026 #VOADmovement #voad #disasterresponse ...