Live Updates

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 SERIES: 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 ...

In South Lebanon, ongoing hostilities have displaced countless families, forcing them from their homes and leaving many without access to basic necessities. In response, GEM MENA, alongside partners @hcicanada HCI and ONSUR, launched the distribution of 15 large containers filled with food boxes, delivering critical aid to approximately 70,000 people. These relief efforts began in Soor, supporting displaced families with urgently needed supplies. We remain committed to delivering humanitarian aid wherever it is needed most, and we are deeply grateful for the support that makes these life-saving missions possible.

To learn more about this mission, please visit GEM.org #lebanon #humanitarian #aid #gemmissions #GEMmena @globalempowermentmissionmena ...

Ukraine Program Update 🇺🇦

Morning meetings @globalempowermentmissionua with our aid warriors. These teams have been working diligently for over 4 straight years to assist #Ukrainians in extremely difficult times of #war.

@globalempowermentmission in partnership with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, continues to operate one of the largest sustained humanitarian responses in Ukraine, delivering assistance at scale across six active war-affected regions.

Q1 #2026 operational output:

• 1,231 trucks delivered to front line regions
• 30,623 pallets distributed
• $19,059,306 in aid delivered
• 24,812 windows installed
• 6,000,012 liters of water distributed
• 54,723,623 meals provided
• 960,039 family necessity kits delivered

These figures reflect continued expansion of a logistics-driven model designed to reach over 1,100 communities monthly, supporting nearly 800,000 individuals through integrated programming across food security, WASH, shelter, and livelihoods.

Since the onset of the war, GEM’s cumulative delivery in Ukraine includes:

• 11,671 trucks delivered
• 285,764 pallets distributed
• $334,386,686 in total aid delivered
• 322,791 windows installed
• 52,733,721 liters of water distributed
• 525,704,804 non perishable meals provided
• 8,712,091 family necessity kits delivered

This scale has been achieved through a lean, partnership-based operating model that prioritizes throughput, rapid deployment, and direct-to-family distribution, ensuring both efficiency and accountability in high-complexity environments.

As the conflict enters another prolonged phase, the focus remains on maintaining continuity of essential services while advancing durable recovery solutions, particularly in shelter and community-level resilience.

#ukraine ...

This past week, the Miami-Dade County Department of Emergency Management led Operation Lasso III, a full-scale exercise designed to strengthen the region’s ability to rapidly establish Family Reception Centers (FRCs) and Family Assistance Centers (FACs) in the aftermath of a Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attack (CCTA).

The operation placed a strong emphasis on speed, coordination, and seamless regional collaboration across Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and Monroe counties, ensuring a unified response when it matters most.

GEM was honored to attend this multi-agency drill, which simulated a large-scale emergency response as part of ongoing preparedness efforts ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. @miamidadeem ...