2月5日
Today marks 100 days since Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica, leaving entire communities exposed to violent winds, widespread structural damage, and hundreds of thousands of families without safe shelter. Roofs were ripped away, schools, hospitals, health centers and community centers were compromised, and livelihoods were disrupted in a matter of hours.
In the aftermath of this historic storm, our GEM Caribbean branch with your support and our incredible Smart Partnership network mobilized at scale.
To date, together we have delivered:
• 2,871 pallets of critical relief supplies
• $13,468,919 in aid and materials distributed
• Over 4 million pounds (1,831+ metric tons) of humanitarian assistance
• 25 cargo planes, 63 containers, and 7 ships deployed to reach impacted communities
This rapid response brought food, water, hygiene and medical supplies, clothes, shoes, building materials, and emergency support to families and the most vulnerable when they needed it most.
But the work is far from over.
GEM is here for the long haul. In the months and years ahead, we will continue repairing and replacing thousands of roofs, restoring schools, rebuilding critical infrastructure, and helping communities return stronger than before.
From emergency relief to long-term recovery, we stand with Jamaica every step of the way.
To learn more and support this mission, please visit the link in our bio section above. Special thanks to all our partners who make this possible: @ncbfoundation @ncbjamaica @sflcaribbeanstrong @lyn.thalia @afjcares @good360usa @romarley @iomjamaica @wegmans @bobmarleyfoundation @irie @iriefoundation @ghettoyouthsfoundation @goldeneye @direalshaggy @goldeneye_foundation @iom.jamaica @bethennyfrankel @airlink @foodforthepoorja @jdfsoldier @tdbank_us @wegmans @bankunited.official @crownfoundation @mairoliver @marlonhill @airlinkflight @dhlus @jetblue @pbunitedway @heartofoceanreef
Jan 13
Please take a moment to watch our Event Recap Video celebrating GEM’s 15-year anniversary, commemorating a decade and a half of empowering individuals and families affected by disasters and conflict zones around the world. The immersive celebration took place at GEM’s Miami headquarters inside the 60,000-square-foot Prologis warehouse, which serves as the central hub driving GEM’s global disaster-response operations.
What began as a small grassroots effort has grown into one of the most innovative and effective organizations in international disaster relief. Today, GEM’s nine global branches provide rapid, life-saving assistance within hours of a disaster while simultaneously supporting long-term recovery programs that help communities rebuild stronger, safer, and more resilient than before.
The milestone celebration was hosted by Founder and CEO Michael Capponi alongside GEM’s Executive Board. In a powerful address, Capponi reflected on the organization’s extraordinary journey, from its origins responding to the 2010 Haiti earthquake to its evolution into a global model of efficiency, accountability, and compassion in humanitarian aid.
The evening also featured a special video message from @miamidadecounty @mayordlc, recognizing GEM’s longstanding partnership with the county and its unwavering commitment to both local and international relief efforts. Several aid recipients shared deeply personal testimonials, describing how GEM’s support transformed their lives during moments of profound crisis.
Adding an artistic dimension to the event, Miami-based artist @petertunney generously donated several original works for auction, with proceeds directly benefiting GEM’s ongoing global missions.
Distinguished guests and dignitaries in attendance included @romarley @indiahicksstyle former Miss Jamaica and Miss World @toniannsingh @marlonhill Patrick Morris Commissioner @daniellecohenhiggins , @darielfernandez , @alinagarciamiami, @vicemayordignacabral , Fabiola Stuyvesant, and former Miami Beach Mayor @mattibower — each representing the diverse network of partners, supporters, and changemakers who have helped power GEM’s mission for the past fifteen years.
Jan 12
This winter in Gaza has been extraordinarily difficult for Palestinian families, with countless people displaced and exposed to harsh conditions.
Our @globalempowermentmissionmena branch in partnership with @hcicanada has delivered more than 10,000 tents and tarps, providing emergency shelter support for over 30,000 people in January 2026 alone.
Beyond shelter, our teams continue to distribute family necessity kits, large communal food provisions, and critical winter relief supplies including warm clothing, blankets, and other essential items, helping families endure the cold with dignity and protection.
In addition, through our partnership with @samaritanspurse, we are also delivering wheelchairs for elderly individuals and children who can no longer walk, bringing mobility, relief, and a measure of independence to some of the most vulnerable survivors of this crisis.
Jan 7
Today marks one year since multiple wildfires devastated communities across the greater Los Angeles area. Within 24 hours of the fires, GEM’s USA West branch, bringing seven years of frontline wildfire experience from the #CampFire in #Paradise, was on the ground in #LosAngeles. Within one week, we established a fully operational local branch to support immediate relief and long-term recovery.
Over the past year, our teams have delivered sustained impact totaling nearly $27 million across affected communities. As we now enter our second year of response, GEM remains fully committed to long-term recovery, renewing proven programs while launching new initiatives designed to meet evolving community needs. We continue working closely with trusted local partners, including @lastrongfoundation, The David Geffen Foundation, the Palisades Long Term Recovery Group and the Ahmanson Foundation.
In the coming weeks, we will open a Community Recovery Center in the #Palisades, staffed with disaster case managers and focused on durable, community-driven solutions. These long-term recovery pathways will be guided by resident input, ensuring rebuilding efforts reflect local priorities and help make Los Angeles stronger, more resilient, and better prepared for the future.
Special thanks to all our partners and donors who helped make our first year in LA’s recovery impactful and tangible. @jefferies, @stableroadfoundation, #DavidandNicoleTepperFoundation, @good360usa, @airbnbOrg, @amazon, @goyafoods, @goyacares, #Give, #StevenandAlexandraCohenFoundation, @flexport, and @pbunitedway @royalcaribbean @bethmccluney #anthembluecrossfoundation #EmergencyNetworkofLosAngeles
To learn more and see how you can help, please visit the link in our bio.
#GEM #BStrong #LARecovery #DisasterRelief #Community #SmallBusinessRecovery #Humanitarian
Dec 24
Happy Holidays from all of us at GEM 🫶
Dec 24
GEM Caribbean: Standing with Jamaica 🇯🇲
Our GEM Caribbean team continues leading large-scale relief and long-term recovery efforts across Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa. Millions of pounds of emergency aid have been deployed nationwide, reaching the hardest-hit communities with shelter kits, solar lamps, food, water, generators, bedding, and essential supplies.
With two permanent warehouses in Kingston and strong partnerships with @odpem @cdemacoordinatingunit @iom.jamaica @ghettoyouthsfoundation and @afjcares, GEM is ensuring coordinated, impactful support—especially for health centers and hospitals damaged by the storm. Our emergency roofing and reroof programs are already underway, restoring critical services and safe homes, with expanded repairs continuing into 2026.
Since Hurricane Beryl in 2024, GEM has completed 730+ roof repairs for Jamaican families—and we’re not stopping.
We were first on the ground, and we’ll be the last to leave. Long-term recovery. Real resilience. Special thanks to all our other partners whose collective support has helped us with our distribution plans and goals.
@sflcaribbeanstrong @lyn.thalia @ghettoyouthsfoundation @good360usa @romarley @iomjamaica @bobmarleyfoundation @irie @iriefoundation @julianrmarley @goldeneye @goldeneye_foundation
@iom.jamaica @bethennyfrankel @airlink #bstrong
#GEMCaribbean #JamaicaStrong #DisasterRecovery #LeadWithLove #HumanitarianAid #GEM #Bstrong
Dec 24
Ridge Kids Christmas Event: This past weekend, GEM USA West hosted our final holiday event of the year, serving 1,367 families, and the impact was truly unforgettable.
Once again, we were honored to join hands with @tzuchiusa Foundation and the Magalia Community Center to support families who have lost so much over the years—including our Park Fire families who faced devastating loss just last year.
Recovery begins immediately after disaster, but true healing and lasting impact can take years. That’s why these holiday events matter so deeply. By spreading a little mountain magic across the North State, we are empowering our youth—our future—by offering hope, light at the end of the tunnel, and reassurance to young hearts that they are not alone. That there is a world of support right here, through Global Empowerment Mission (GEM).
At GEM, we remain committed to serving communities long after the cameras fade and the headlines move on. This event is a testament to that commitment: more than seven years later, Camp Fire families—and all families impacted by wildfires—remain in our hearts. We will continue to show up, to support, and to lead with love and light.
We were especially honored to have Santa and his friends join us, along with our incredible partners who make moments like these possible. Together, we can continue to build hope—one community, one family, and one child at a time. #GEM #Bstrong #parkfire #wildfires #california
Dec 20
This week, as part of our GEM–HGBF humanitarian missions, alongside our ongoing deliveries of food and water to eastern war torn regions of Ukraine. GEM President @michaelcapponi, Ukraine Programs Director @alina.kurs_ & our @globalempowermentmissionua teams brought Christmas gifts to children who continue to live with their parents in frontline communities.
This year’s gift packages included not only toys, but also a children’s book by author Devon Buffett, beautifully illustrated and translated into Ukrainian. The children’s genuine joy and radiant smiles as they received their gifts were deeply moving.
It is heartbreaking to witness childhood meant to be joyful, carefree, and full of possibility unfold instead in bomb shelters and under constant threat. Some of the villages we visited have lived without electricity for nearly three years, a stark reminder of the conditions these families endure.
We are profoundly grateful for the opportunity, even if only for a moment, to help ease these children’s fears and to bring them small but meaningful moments of happiness amid the realities of war.
#ukraine
Dec 18
IMPORTANT 2025 RECAP…….From all of us at @globalempowermentmission GEM), we wish you a joyous holiday season and a healthy, meaningful, and inspiring New Year.
As we celebrate our 15th Anniversary, we are reminded of what is truly possible when committed partners come together with purpose, compassion, and action. It is because of you and your belief and trust in GEM that we have been able to reach and assist millions of people throughout 2025. Our teams are operating throughout the United States and 5 continents, delivering aid to populations impacted by some of the most complex and volatile emergencies. We are proud to announce that we have expended $188 Million this year alone with only 3.8% going to corporate overhead.
We invite you to watch our 2025 recap video, which highlights our many missions across the globe and the extraordinary impact made. Our teams on the ground have worked tirelessly, often in the most challenging environments, to accomplish all of this, and we are incredibly proud of what they have achieved. We hope you will take a moment to watch and reflect on this work.
As this difficult and complex year draws to a close, we also invite you to consider Global Empowerment Mission in your end-of-year giving through our bio-links.
Your support is critical now more than ever, as humanitarian needs continue to grow in the face of ongoing crises and unprecedented events unfolding across our country and around the world.
We are deeply grateful to each and every one of you who continues to allow us to bring hope, dignity, and tangible relief to people in their greatest moments of need.
@globalempowermentmission #bstrong #2025 #gem
Dec 9
Our #GEM Tribal Impact West Coast family joined hands with not one, but seven First Nations this past weekend— standing proudly with the Tule River Tribal Council and Eagle Mountain Casino for our 2nd Annual GEM Christmas Gathering. What unfolded was nothing short of sacred.
From the moment the doors opened, thousands of tribal children filled the space with laughter, light, and joy. Hundreds of elders were honored with gifts, warm meals, and the kind of love that stays with you long after the day has passed. Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, gingerbread bears, Bigfoot, and so many other joyful spirits made their way through the crowd, each one adding even more magic to the celebration.
The EMC staff and our Tule TRAP team moved with purpose and generosity — lifting, guiding, building, and breaking down, every step fueled by unity and community pride. Together, we created 75 major giveaways, served 3,000 hot meals, and shared blessings too many to count. Tribes from across the Central Valley came together as one, and in that togetherness, every volunteer, every helper, and every team member walked away with a heart overflowing.
A special and heartfelt thank you to Chairman Shine Nieto of the Tule River Tribe, Jess James of Eagle Mountain Casino, and Chairwoman Liz Hutchins of Big Sandy. Your leadership, dedication, and months of planning helped transform this gathering into something truly beautiful—something felt deeply in the spirit.
This year’s celebration reminded us that when we walk in unity, honor our elders, and uplift our children, the Creator meets us exactly where we stand.
We can’t wait to see what next year brings. Until then, our hearts remain full, humbled, and profoundly grateful. To learn more visit the link in bio section, or www.GEM.org
#GEMTribalImpact #EagleMountainCasino #TuleRiverTribe #TuleRiverYokuts #BigSandyRancheria #BigSandyRancheriaOfMonoIndians #TejonIndianTribe #TübatulabalOfKernValley #ColdSpringsRancheria #ColdSpringsRancheriaOfMonoIndians #NorthForkRancheria #NorthForkRancheriaOfMonoIndians #FirstNations #CentralValleyTribes #CommunityStrong #HonoringOurElders #EmpoweringOurYouth #NativeLed #UnityInTheValley
Dec 2
On this global day of generosity, #GivingTuesday, we invite you to partner with us as we respond to the world’s most urgent humanitarian crises.
Our mission is simple: to provide immediate relief and empower the long-term recovery of communities impacted by disaster.
Your support ensures that when crisis hits—from providing essential supplies to supporting rebuilding efforts—we can act swiftly and decisively. We turn moments of devastation into opportunities for renewed hope and resilience.
Today, your investment in this critical work will be magnified.
A generous partner has committed to MATCH EVERY DOLLAR DONATED, up to $200,000.
This means your contribution carries double the weight, doubling our capacity to deliver aid and rebuild lives. Help us secure this full match and amplify our global impact. Your donation today is twice as powerful. Tap the link in our bio to make a difference. DONATE TODAY: https://give.gem.org/campaign/735778/donate or visit GEM.org
#GivingTuesday #GEM #GEMmissions
#DisasterRelief #HumanitarianAid #GlobalImpact #CrisisResponse #CommunityResilience #GlobalGiving #Impact #GivingTuesday #MatchingGift #DoubleYourDonation
Dec 1
Central Vietnam is facing one of the worst flood seasons in years. A sequence of 19 typhoons and tropical depressions has destroyed or severely damaged more than 337,000 homes and submerged 553,500 hectares of crops, wiping out entire harvests, food stores, and family income. Livestock losses have further devastated livelihoods. The death toll has surpassed 90, with 409 people dead or missing across the region this year.
With support from our local partner VMK, the GEM Europe team is delivering emergency food directly to the hardest-hit communities. Many areas remain difficult to access, but our logistics and vetted distribution systems allow us to reach families quickly and efficiently.
Our focus is immediate stabilization — ensuring families who lost everything receive essential supplies now, while longer-term recovery begins. GEM continues operating where needs are most urgent, powered by partners who enable fast, effective response. To learn more, and support visit the link in our bio, or www.GEM.org
Nov 29
Today marks one month since #HurricaneMelissa devastated parts of #Jamaica, unleashing one of the most destructive crises the island ever faced.
In just 30 days, GEM through our smart partnership model executed one of the largest humanitarian mobilizations in Jamaica’s recent history:
• 2,034 pallets of emergency aid
• $5,876,347.89 in total relief value
• 3,029,072 lbs of supplies delivered (1,374 metric tons)
• Transported through 25 planes, 24 containers, and 3 ships * Servicing 101 locations
From the first hours after landfall, GEM—working closely with the Government of Jamaica, ODPEM, JDF, IOM, the NCB Foundation, Royal Caribbean, AFJ and our broader network—activated a nationwide rapid-response operation focused on speed, scale, and dignity.
Across impacted parishes, our teams have delivered mass food distributions, hygiene kits, clean-water support, medical facility stabilization, and tarpaulin roofing to help health centers safely reopen. These efforts embody our smart-partnership model: lean operations, high efficiency, and an unwavering commitment to getting resources directly to the families who need them most.
Special thanks to all our partners who make this possible:
@sflcaribbeanstrong @lyn.thalia @afjcares @good360usa @romarley @iomjamaica @wegmans @bobmarleyfoundation @irie @iriefoundation @ghettoyouthsfoundation @goldeneye @direalshaggy @goldeneye_foundation @iom.jamaica @bethennyfrankel @airlink @foodforthepoorja @jdfsoldier @tdbank_us @wegmans @bankunited.official @crownfoundation @mairoliver @marlonhill @airlinkflight @dhlus @jetblue @pbunitedway @heartofoceanreef
This video captures the first month of impact—the resilience, the challenges, the hope, and what we can continue building together as Jamaica moves toward long-term recovery.#Bstrong
Nov 27
Happy Thanksgiving from Global Empowerment Mission
This Thanksgiving, we want to express our deepest gratitude to each of you—our partners, donors, volunteers, and supporters around the world. Your unwavering commitment fuels every mission we undertake and every life we are able to touch.
Global Empowerment Mission has grown into a truly disruptive force in disaster relief and long-term recovery because of people like you. Together, we are able to deliver rapid, life-saving aid in the critical hours after a disaster strikes, and just as importantly, we stay for the long haul—helping families and communities rebuild stronger, safer, and more resilient than before.
Thanks to your trust and partnership, GEM is recognized as one of the most effective and accountable nonprofits in the field. We are honored to hold Charity Navigator’s 4-star rating. That level of impact is only possible because you stand with us.
On this day of gratitude, we celebrate you. Thank you for believing in our mission, for showing up when the world needs it most, and for helping us bring hope, dignity, and meaningful recovery to communities facing their hardest moments.
From all of us at GEM—Happy Thanksgiving.
We are grateful for your partnership, your heart, and your continued support. ~Team GEM
Nov 26
As of today, @globalempowermentmission — through its Smart Partnership Model — has delivered $5.8 million in aid to #Jamaica utilizing a combined logistics network of 25 cargo planes, 24 shipping containers, and 3 @royalcaribbean vessels. In total, this mission has moved 2035 pallets, representing 1.4 million metric tons of humanitarian aid to impacted communities.
This represents only the first phase of a much larger series of rebuilding initiatives that GEM will begin implementing by January 2026. Special thanks to all our partners who make this all possible. @sflcaribbeanstrong @lyn.thalia @afjcares @good360usa @romarley @iomjamaica @bobmarleyfoundation @irie @iriefoundation @ghettoyouthsfoundation @goldeneye @direalshaggy @goldeneye_foundation
@iom.jamaica @bethennyfrankel @airlink @foodforthepoorja @jdfsoldier
11月24日
私たちの @globalempowermentmissionmena 支部は、@samaritanspurse と @hcicanada との緊密なパートナーシップのもと、厳しい冬に直面する家族を支援するため、24時間体制で活動してきました。
この協調的な努力は、この地域で最も脆弱なコミュニティを厳しい寒さから守り、極めて困難な季節に家族に安全、暖かさ、尊厳を与えるのに役立っています。
11月21日
私たちは、@foodforthepoorinc と @foodforthepoorja と @globalempowermentmission の強力な新しいパートナーシップを発表できることを光栄に思います。このパートナーシップは、ハリケーン「メリッサ」によって壊滅的な打撃を受けた #ジャマイカ の家族のために、命を救う救援活動を加速させることを目的としています。
共に、私たちの組織は何万もの食糧と @good360usa の衛生キットを共同生産します。これらのキットには、深刻な損失と混乱に見舞われている家族を支援するための、主食と必要不可欠な衛生用品が含まれています。
この協力により、FFTPの国内における広範な物流・流通ネットワークと、GEMの迅速な梱包、発送、大規模な緊急対応能力が結集されます。
このパートナーシップの一環として、GEMはGEM @iom.jamaicaの防水シート設置プログラムの下で、屋根やシェルターを失った家族が構造的な支援と緊急救援の両方を受けられるよう、現地活動を支援するための食料キットも生産する。
GEMはハリケーン・ベリル以来ジャマイカの現地に入り、735以上の屋根を修理し、メリッサ上陸以来500万ドル以上の支援を届けてきた。この新しいパートナーシップにより、両組織はこの困難な局面を乗り切るため、ジャマイカを支援する持続的かつ長期的なコミットメントのために規模を拡大しています。
これは行動する連帯であり、共にジャマイカの人々のために強くなるのです。afjcaresは@ncbfoundationと@wegmansと共にこのプログラムを支援しています。
11月21日
ジャマイカ保健セクターの最新情報：GEM は @iom.jamaica @iom.caribbean & @afjcares と連携し、#ハリケーン・メリッサ の壊滅的な影響からのジャマイカの保健セクターの回復を支援するため、24 時間体制で活動している。島全体にわたる破壊は前例のないもので、何百もの保健所や病院が被害を受けたり、破壊されたりし、何十万もの家族が必要な医療を確実に受けられなくなっています。
公衆衛生システムを安定させ、救命サービスを回復させるため、私たちは高級防水シートと構造補強材を使った耐久性のある仮設屋根ソリューションを設置する緊急プログラムを開始しました。これらの仮設屋根により、医療チームは施設を安全に再開し、何千人もの患者のための活動を再開することができる。
この活動は、ジャマイカ保健福祉省との緊密な連携のもと、ジャマイカの最高医療責任者であるジャクリーン・ビサソー・マッケンジー医師の指示・監督のもとで実施されています。
- 避難した医療従事者、重要なサービス提供者、脆弱な世帯のための頑丈な防水シートと完全なシェルターキット。
- 緊急に必要なボトル入り飲料水、清掃用品、衛生用品を教区マネージャーに届け、各教区の病院、診療所、保健施設に配布。
完成した保健センター - ウェストモアランド:
- ダーリストン、コーンウォール・マウンテン、ウィリアムズフィールド、ボーク、ジョージズ・プレイン、グランジ・ヒル、エルサレム、リトル・ロンドン、サバンナ・ラ・マー、ウェストモアランド保健局、ビーストン・スプリング、ニュー・ホープ・ビーストン・スプリング、ホワイトハウス、ベセル・タウン、ラムズ・リバー、ネグリル
St.Elizabeth, Newmarket, Maggotty ,Brases River, Hanover 進行中, Noel Holmes Hospital
現在までのGEMの全体的な影響 - このイニシアチブは、現在進行中の多くの緊急プログラムの一つに過ぎない。
-パレット：1,702
-Value: $4,918,733.29
-Weight: 2,209,490 lbs
-Planes: 21
-Containers：18
-船舶：2隻（詳細または寄付については、上記バイオのリンクをご覧ください） #jamaica
11月12日
ガザ最新情報 — 私たちの @globalempowermentmission MENA 支部は、2025 年夏以降、ガザ全域での活動成果を大幅に増加させました。
大規模な人道支援活動の調整は決して容易ではありません。卓越した物流の連携、実績のあるシステム、そしてあらゆるレベルでの精密さが求められます。真の効果は、最も必要とされる場所に救命支援を届けるために、方法、インフラ、そしてパートナーシップがシームレスに連携して機能するかどうかにかかっています。GEMは、ドナーの皆様に支援物資が直接民間人の手に届けられるよう保証します。私たちは物資を投下するのではなく、家族と直接会い、支援物資だけでなく、笑顔と希望を届けます。
GEM MENAは現在、地域全体における活動範囲と効率性をさらに拡大するため、活動規模を拡大しています。この拡大は、パートナーの皆様の共通のビジョン、リソース、そして揺るぎないコミットメントなしには実現できません。@hcicanada、@rapidreliefteam_uk、@samaritanspurse、@wop_ev、そしてこの活動を可能にしてくださった多くの方々に深く感謝申し上げます。#Humanity @globalempowermentmissionmena
11月11日
私たちのチームは、ジャマイカ全土の家族を支援するため、24時間体制で熱心に活動しています。この短いビデオは、シェルター部門におけるGEMの重要な取り組みを紹介している。これにはコミュニティセンター、保健センター、シェルター、そして家が含まれます。GEMカリブ海のシェルターに関する活動は、実施パートナーとしてIOMと協力して実施されている。
同時に、私たちの国際的・国内的ネットワークである倉庫、ハブ、現地のパートナーを通じて、大量の食糧と必要不可欠な非食糧品（NFI）を移動させ、最も遠隔地の被災したコミュニティにも援助が届くようにしています。100台以上の発電機を提供してくださった@good360usaと@amazonに感謝します。
ハリケーンで被害を受けた122,531棟の家屋に対応できるよう、仮設屋根プログラムの規模を拡大します。@globalempowermentmission @iom.jamaica @iom.caribbean @romarley @bobmarleyfoundation