Live Updates

In the heart of a war-torn nation, hope takes root, one seed at a time.

It’s truly inspiring to witness the harvest from local farms across Ukraine — crops that began as humble seeds distributed by our teams as part of the GEM HGBF Seeds Program. These aren’t just seeds, they are symbols of resilience, dignity, and survival.

Ukraine, often called the breadbasket of Europe, has long nourished the world with its fertile soil and generations of hardworking farmers. Today, despite the hardships of war, that legacy endures. Local farmers are once again planting their fields, harvesting crops, and feeding their communities, all made possible by these humble seed packs.

This year alone, we’ve distributed over 5.2 million seed packs to communities throughout the country.

#hgbf #ukraine #gemmissions #harvest #seeds ...

Sadly the death toll continues to rise following the devastating flash floods that tore through Texas Hill Country over the Fourth of July weekend. (As of 10pm EST) At least 80 lives have been lost — including 28 children in Kerr County. Authorities report that 10 girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic are still missing. When the floods struck, more than 750 children were attending the camp.

GEM BStrong teams have been on the ground since yesterday, responding with urgency and compassion. We’re providing immediate support to evacuated and displaced residents, including @bethennyfrankel’s BStrong Cash Cards for those in crisis.

Trucks filled with GEM Family Necessity Kits are en route, bringing critical relief to families who’ve lost everything in this historic and tragic event.

Our hearts are with every parent, child, and community member affected.

To support ongoing efforts, visit the link in our bio.

#GEM #BStrong #DisasterResponse #TexasHillCountry #HumanitarianAid #CampMystic #GEMmissions #Texas #Flood #Kerrville #Hunt ...

In response to the recent “boil water” notice impacting residents of Apalachicola, Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) has donated 20 pallets of clean drinking water to support ongoing water distribution efforts in the community.

After learning that the Office of Congressman Neal Dunn and other local elected officials were working to assist their constituents, GEM asked about immediate needs and coordinated with officials to deliver water. GEM stepped in to provide immediate relief by delivering pallets of bottled water to affected individuals and families across the region.

Providing rapid support to communities in times of need is at the heart of our mission,” said Michael Kesti, Chairman of Government Relations Group, LLC and lead on this initiative with GEM. “We are grateful to work alongside local and federal partners to ensure families in Apalachicola have access to clean, safe drinking water during this time.”

“We believe that no community should face the fear and hardship of losing access to clean water, added Michael Capponi, Founder and President of GEM. “We are honored to stand with the people of Apalachicola during this critical time.”

The donation, made in partnership with local distribution channels, will directly benefit residents as the city restores water quality following the crisis. GEM’s swift action aligns with its ongoing commitment to empowering communities impacted by natural disasters, humanitarian crises, and infrastructure challenges.

Residents of Apalachicola were recently advised that water is now safe to use following the lifting of the boil water notice, but many families continue to rely on bottled water as systems stabilize. #Apalachicola #Florida @drnealdunnfl2 @kestimw @city_of_apalachicola ...

Today, we take a moment to honor and remember the lives lost—and the countless others forever changed—by the Surfside Building Collapse.

Four years have passed since that tragic morning, but for many, the pain remains as present as ever. The echoes of that day still live in the hearts of families, survivors, and a community that will never forget.

In the aftermath of unimaginable loss, our South Florida community rose with strength and compassion. Global Empowerment Mission was proud to stand alongside first responders, neighbors, and supporters like you—mobilizing urgent relief, raising critical funds, and delivering comfort in a time of profound sorrow.

#SurfsideStrong #NeverForget #GEMissions #Community #surfside ...

UKRAINE JUNE MISSiONS UPDATE…….

GEM’s President and Ukrainian Programs Director have just completed their bi-monthly, 3,000-mile oversight tour across six frontline regions in Ukraine.

Our @globalempowermentmissionua branch—in partnership with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation—leads across all of the following UN-cluster sectors:

1. Food Kit Deliveries
• 5,601,786 family-necessity kits distributed (non-perishable food & hygiene supplies)
• 346,712,919 meals served to date

2. Bottled Water
• 32,733,681 bottles delivered

3. Seed & Livelihoods
• 8,133,219 seed packs provided to support agricultural recovery

4. Residential Repairs (SME)
• 244,811 windows replaced in residential homes, apartments buildings, schools and hospitals across Ukraine.

In these slides you will see the various types of distributions that we do on a daily basis. We’re currently servicing 850 towns and villages per month. GEM ensures vital aid gets placed directly in civilian’s hands.

#Ukraine #Kharkiv #Kherson #Donetsk #Dnipro #Summy ...

Continuing the Mission in Lahaina: Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) Hawai’i, in partnership with Stable Road Foundation and Maui Brewing Co, is proud to continue our commitment to long-term housing solutions after the 2023 Lahaina wildfire.

We’ve already placed 7 ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units) on family properties in the burn zone, helping survivors return to their land while they rebuild. Now, we’re honored to support the Lahaina Jodo Mission, a spiritual and cultural cornerstone since 1912, by placing two ADUs on-site.

The devastating fire destroyed the temple, pagoda, bell tower, and more — but the bronze Amida Buddha still remains, a symbol of hope and resilience.

These two 2-bedroom Castleblock units will serve as the Minister’s residence and office, allowing Rev. Gensho Hara and his wife, who have lovingly cared for the mission for over 60 years, to remain present as this sacred site rebuilds.

A heartfelt thank you to our incredible donor partners @stableroadfoundation and @mauibrewingco for making this project possible.

In honoring the past, we help lay the foundation for the future. @globalempowermentmissionhawaii #Maui #lahaina #strong ...

Today marks the official start of the 2025 hurricane season.

This weekend, GEM’s U.S. Director of Field Missions, Kimberley Bentley, was on the ground at key preparedness events in both Doral and Fort Lauderdale—helping strengthen connections, share critical knowledge, and build resilience across our region.

In Doral, Kimberley attended the Doral Disaster Fair, where she engaged with city officials, local organizations, and businesses committed to helping residents prepare for, survive, and recover from hurricane emergencies. Officials expressed deep appreciation for GEM’s ongoing efforts and are looking forward to tomorrow’s GEM Hurricane Preparedness Press Conference.

She also joined the “Eye of the Storm” event in Fort Lauderdale—a dynamic gathering focused on hurricane science, mitigation, and preparedness. Here, Kimberley collaborated with partners from Miami-Dade Department of Emergency Management and Broward County Emergency Management, Florida Power & Light (FPL), and other regional stakeholders to advance preparedness conversations ahead of what is forecast to be an active season. Together, we are stronger and ready to serve. @kayebentley @miamidadeem @browardemd @insidefpl #GEM #HurricanePreparedness #hurricane #season ...

A day of hope. A day of healing. A day of heart. 💙

Today, in partnership with San Diego VOAD, and our partners at @frontlineimpact - GEM USA West proudly hosted a large scale Recovery Pop-Up for families impacted by the devastating 2024 floods.

Back in January, relentless floodwaters surged through Southeast San Diego—an unforgiving river that swallowed homes, memories, and the very foundation thousands once stood on. Over six feet of water consumed entire neighborhoods, leaving heartbreak in its wake.

Nearly a year and a half later, the need remains deep, and the wounds are still mending. But today—something powerful happened.

We came together—partners, community members, and volunteers—not only to deliver critical recovery resources through our LTRGs and DCMs, but to restore hope and bring moments of joy to those who have lost so much.

✨ There was laughter and games.
🎶 Live music that lifted the spirit.
🍽️ Delicious food that united us.
💇🏽‍♂️ Free haircuts that helped families feel whole again.

But most importantly, today gave our flood survivors something truly rare: a moment of normalcy. A chance to smile, to reconnect, and to know they are seen, heard, and cared for.

This is what true recovery looks like. It’s about more than rebuilding homes. It’s about rebuilding hearts. Restoring dignity. And reminding every family—you are not alone.

Together, we rise. 💛

#FrontlineImpact #GEMMissions #SanDiegoVOAD #FloodRecovery #CommunityStrong #HopeInAction #TogetherWeHeal #gemusawest #GEM #SanDiego #California ...

GEM BStrong teams remain on the ground in Missouri, delivering Family Necessity Kits and #BStrong Cash Cards to residents affected by the devastating tornado that tore through the St. Louis metro area.

With peak winds reaching 152 mph and a path nearly a mile wide, the tornado tracked over 23 miles, crossing into Illinois and leaving a trail of destruction. The storm claimed five lives, injured 38 people, and damaged over 5,000 structures—causing an estimated $1.6 billion in property loss.

Our efforts continue throughout the hardest-hit neighborhoods. And on Wednesday, May 28, GEM BStrong will also be providing resources at the Multi-Agency Resource Center (MARC) for storm-impacted residents in Scott County.

Location:
Old Bethel Baptist Church
180 County Road 449
Sikeston, MO 63801
Date/Time:
Wednesday, May 28, 2025
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Your support makes this possible. To learn more about our ongoing response and how you can help, visit the link in our bio. @bethennyfrankel @flewthecoop_ @kayebentley #StLouis #Missouri #TornadoRelief #DisasterResponse #GEM #BStrong ...

GEM BStrong teams are on the ground in Kentucky, delivering life-saving supplies to families devastated by the recent deadly tornadoes. With an additional truckload of aid and response teams now en route to St. Louis, Missouri, our mission continues to expand as the full scale of destruction comes into focus—countless homes lost and lives tragically cut short.

Thanks to your ongoing support, GEM Bstrong remains prepositioned and ready to respond immediately with our essential Family Necessity Kits—bringing hope and relief when it’s needed most.

In Kentucky, we’ve partnered with Faith Assembly of God Church to establish a disaster relief distribution center:

Faith Assembly of God Church
390 Faith Assembly Church Rd.
London, KY 40741
Open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. through Sunday, May 25th

Stay tuned—tomorrow we’ll share updates from our St. Louis deployment and aid distributions.

Click the link in our bio to learn more or support our ongoing mission. #GEM #Bstrong @bethennyfrankel #tornadoes #disaster #relief #kentucky #stlouis #missouri @flewthecoop_ ...