Disaster Mission Trips
0
In Aid & Supplies Distributed
$
0
+
Countries Served
0
We’re honored to announce a powerful new partnership between @foodforthepoorinc @foodforthepoorja and @globalempowermentmission. This partnership is aimed to accelerate life-saving relief for families in #Jamaica devastated by #HurricaneMelissa.
Together, our organizations will co-produce tens of thousands of food and @good360usa hygiene kits. These kits contain staple food items and essential hygiene supplies to support families experiencing severe loss and disruption.
This collaboration brings together FFTP’s extensive in-country logistics and distribution network with GEM’s rapid packaging, shipping, and large-scale emergency response capabilities. By combining strengths, we are able to act with greater speed, reach, and compassion in the hardest-hit regions.
As part of this partnership, GEM will also produce food kits to support field operations under the GEM @iom.jamaica tarp installation program, ensuring families who lost roofs and shelter receive both structural support and immediate relief.
GEM has been on the ground in Jamaica since Hurricane Beryl, repairing over 735 roofs and delivering more than $5 million in aid since Melissa’s landfall. With this new partnership, both organizations are scaling up for a sustained, long-term commitment to support Jamaica through this challenging chapter.
This is solidarity in action—and together, we are stronger for the people of Jamaica. @afjcares is supporting this program along with @ncbfoundation and @wegmans.
Jamaica Health Sector Update: GEM in partnership with @iom.jamaica @iom.caribbean & @afjcares has been working around the clock to support Jamaica’s health-sector recovery following the devastating impact of #HurricaneMelissa. The destruction across the island has been unprecedented — with hundreds of health centers & hospitals damaged or destroyed — leaving hundreds of thousands of families without reliable access to essential care.
To help stabilize the public-health system and restore lifesaving services, we have launched an urgent program to install durable temporary roofing solutions using high-grade tarpaulins and structural reinforcements. These temporary roofs enable medical teams to safely reopen facilities and resume operations for thousands of patients. In 2026, this program will expand to include full repairs and restoration.
This operation is being carried out under the direction and oversight of Dr. Jacquiline Bisasor-McKenzie, Chief Medical Officer of Jamaica, in close coordination with the Ministry of Health and Wellness.
In addition to temp roof restoration, we are supporting the wider public-health network with essential supplies, including:
• Heavy-duty tarpaulins and complete shelter kits for displaced healthcare workers, essential service providers, and vulnerable households.
• Urgently needed bottled water, cleaning products, and hygiene supplies delivered to Parish Managers for distribution across hospitals, clinics, and health facilities in each parish.
Completed Health Centers – Westmoreland:
• Darliston, Cornwall Mountain, Williamsfield, Baulk, George’s Plain, Grange Hill, Jerusalem, Little London, Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland Health Department, Beeston Spring, New Hope-Beeston Spring, Whitehouse, Bethel Town, Lambs River, Negril
St. Elizabeth, Newmarket, Maggotty ,Brases River, Hanover in progress, Noel Holmes Hospital
Overall GEM Impact to Date - This initiative is just one of many emergency programs underway. To date, GEM has already delivered:
•Pallets: 1,702
•Value: $4,918,733.29
•Weight: 2,209,490 lbs
•Planes: 21
•Containers: 18
•Ships: 2 (to learn more or donate please visit the link in our bio above) #jamaica
GAZA UPDATE — Our @globalempowermentmission MENA branch has significantly increased its operational output across Gaza since summer 2025.
Coordinating large-scale humanitarian response efforts is never simple — it requires extraordinary logistical coordination, proven systems, and precision at every level. True impact depends on the seamless alignment of methods, infrastructure, and partnerships working in unison to deliver life-saving aid where it’s needed most. GEM ensures donors that aid gets distributed directly into civilian hands. We don’t do drops, we meet the families and bring not only aid but smiles and hope.
GEM MENA is now scaling up operations even more to expand both reach and efficiency throughout the region. This expansion would not be possible without the shared vision, resources, and unwavering commitment of our partners. We extend our deepest gratitude to @hcicanada , @rapidreliefteam_uk, @samaritanspurse, @wop_ev , and many others who make this work possible. #Humanity @globalempowermentmissionmena
Our teams are working diligently around the clock to support families across #Jamaica. This short video highlights GEM’s critical efforts in the shelter sector — providing safe, spaces for those who have lost everything. This includes community centers, health centers, shelters, and homes. GEM Caribbean’s work on shelter is executed in partnership with IOM as an implementing partner.
At the same time, we’re moving large quantities of food and essential non-food items (NFIs) through our international & national network of warehouses, hubs, and local partners to ensure that aid reaches even the most remote and affected communities. Thank you @good360usa & @amazon for 100 + generators.
Together, we’re scaling up our temporary roof program to be able to help address the 122,531 assessed homes that have been damaged by #hurricanemelissa. @globalempowermentmission @iom.jamaica @iom.caribbean @romarley @bobmarleyfoundation
First series of photos from GEM’s 15-year anniversary kick off campaign. This was an immersive celebration at our 60,000-square-foot @prologis warehouse. The event took place at our global headquarters which fuels our worldwide disaster-response operations.
What began as a small grassroots initiative has evolved into one of the most innovative and effective forces in global disaster relief. Today, GEM’s nine international branches deliver rapid, life-saving assistance within hours of disaster striking, while simultaneously executing long-term recovery programs that help communities rebuild stronger, safer, and more resilient than before.
The milestone event was hosted by Founder and President @michaelcapponi together with GEM’s Executive Board. In a powerful address, Capponi shared the organization’s remarkable journey — from its inception during the 2010 Haiti earthquake response to becoming a global model for efficiency, accountability, and compassion in humanitarian aid.
The evening featured a special video message from Miami-Dade County Mayor @mayordlc recognizing GEM’s longstanding partnership with the county and its unwavering commitment to both local and international relief efforts. Several aid recipients also shared emotional testimonials, describing how GEM’s support transformed their lives in times of profound crisis.
Adding an artistic dimension to the celebration, Miami-based artist @petertunney donated several original works for auction, with proceeds directly supporting GEM’s ongoing global missions.
Distinguished guests and dignitaries in attendance included @romarley, @indiahicksstyle , Former Miss Jamaica and Miss World @toniannsingh , Patrick Morris, @mattibower Commissioner @daniellecohenhiggins , @darielfernandez , @alinagarciamiami @councilwomandignacabral , and @fabiolastuyvesant — each representing the diverse network of partners, supporters, and changemakers who have helped power GEM’s mission over the past decade and a half. @globalempowermentmission
Yesterday, GEM successfully delivered the first large convoy of five trucks into Savanna-la-Mar, Westmoreland, #Jamaica. The Westmoreland Parish is where the eye of #hurricanemelissa made landfall. Our teams, with the security support of @jdfsoldier and coordination with @odpem and @mlssjamaica are bringing essential relief to one of the hardest-hit regions.
Through our Smart Partnership Model, we’re able to amplify our impact and accelerate aid delivery across the island. Special thanks to all our key partners whose support makes large-scale missions like this possible.
Simultaneously, our GEM Caribbean branch in Kingston continues to play a vital role — supplying regional hubs, local organizations, and partner networks with the critical resources needed to reach the greatest number of people in the shortest amount of time.
Special thanks to all our other partners whose collective support has helped us with our distribution plans and goals.
@sflcaribbeanstrong @lyn.thalia @afjcares @good360usa @romarley @iomjamaica @bobmarleyfoundation @irie @iriefoundation @julianrmarley @goldeneye @goldeneye_foundation
@iom.jamaica @bethennyfrankel @airlink #bstrong
We are rapidly moving large-scale humanitarian aid into Jamaica through our Smart Partnership Model — a proven system that brings together logistics, product donors, and global transport partners to maximize impact.
Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) is proud to collaborate with @airlinkflight and @dhlus @dhl_global ensuring critical supplies reach the hardest-hit regions efficiently and effectively.
This hurricane has been catastrophic on every level, devastating a highly populated island and affecting over 2 million people. @globalempowermentmission is spearheading the supply chain flow, mobilizing our extensive network of hundreds of product donors, including @Good360, to deliver essential relief.
A heartfelt thank you to all our generous transport and logistics partners whose support makes these missions possible. To date, we have brought in over 500 Metric Tonnes (1.1 M lbs) of critical life saving supplies into #Jamaica. #hurricanemelissa
Report by @brentmcdonaldnyt for @nytimes Humanitarian Crisis in #jamacia. Brent explains how in over 20 years of reporting on disasters, he’s never seen anything like this. The devastation caused by Cat 5 #hurricane #melissa is a compounded disaster. This video showcases GEM’s very first convoy into Black River days after the hurricane. @michaelcapponi. To learn more and support GEM’s mission response, please visit the link in our bio or: https://www.globalempowermentmission.org/mission/hurricane-melissa/
Teams in #accompong last night supporting the #maroon people. These are some of the deeper areas that have not yet received aid. We still have hundreds of small villages to examine and support. This system is scaling daily.
Special thanks to all our other partners whose collective support has helped us with our distribution plans and goals.
@sflcaribbeanstrong @lyn.thalia @afjcares @good360usa @romarley @cedellamarley @iomjamaica @bobmarleyfoundation @irie @iriefoundation @ghettoyouthsfoundation @goldeneye @goldeneye_foundation
@iom.jamaica @bethennyfrankel @airlink @direalshaggy @aerialrecoverygroup
GEM has a long time smart partnership with @royalcaribbean. We have been planning these operations before #hurricanemelissa even made landfall.
Thanks to a grant of over $400,000.00 from RCG we have already been able to make a touchdown with some aid to these areas. Everyday we scale up more and will increase output and deliveries/distributions.
As of today, here’s what GEM has been able to bring into Jamaica in coordination with @odpem & @jdfsoldier.
Total Pallets 1296
Total Value $3,942,947.93
Total Weight (lbs) 1,227,281
Total Weight in Metric Tonnes 556.72
Number of Planes 9
Number of Containers 8
Number of Ships 1
Black River
Lacova
Montego Bay
Billy Bay (St. Elizabeth)
Auldayr District, Bluefields Westmoreland
Spanish Town (St Kathrine)
Spur Tree (Manchester)
Adelphi (Mo/bay - St James)
Jacob’s Ladder (Moneague St. Ann)
Trelawny
Mandeville (Manchester)
Junction (St. Elizabeth)
St. Thomas
Kingston
Accompong Maroon
Special thanks to all our other partners whose collective support has helped us with our distribution plans and goals. @ncbjamaica @ncbfoundation
@sflcaribbeanstrong @lyn.thalia @afjcares @good360usa @romarley @iomjamaica @bobmarleyfoundation @irie @iriefoundation @goldeneye @goldeneye_foundation
@iom.jamaica @bethennyfrankel @airlinkflight @goldmansachs @bankunited.official
Yesterday marked the start of GEM’s large-scale humanitarian distributions across #Jamaica.
This video highlights @globalempowermentmission’s operational expertise in emergency response, featuring our first distributions in #BlackRiver and #Lacovia yesterday. We are replicating proven systems used in major conflict and disaster zones — deploying coordinated deliveries daily to key affected regions. In the coming days we will distribute supplies to over 50 locations.
GEM is proud to serve as an official partner to Jamaica’s national disaster agency, ODPEM, the Ministry of Labour and Social Security and @iom.jamaica. Today, our teams are also coordinating airdrop operations with the Jamaican military, reaching more than 17 towns currently accessible only by helicopter.
A heartfelt thank you to all our partners and supporters who make this critical work possible. Together, we are ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most — quickly, efficiently, and at scale.
@bethennyfrankel
@odpem
@ncbfoundation @bobmarley @bobmarleyfoundation @romarley @cedellamarley @ncbfoundation @ncbjamaica @afjcares @lyn.thalia @good360usa @royalcaribbean @bredstreasurebeach @sflcaribbeanstrong @mairoliver #bstrong #hurricanemelissa @pbunitedway
GEM understands what it takes to effectively respond to disasters of this scale. Each major crisis operates much like a new startup — requiring structure, systems, and serious infrastructure before measurable results can be achieved. Delivering large-scale aid to a nation of 2.5 million people, where significant regions have been devastated, demands nothing less.
We now have fully operational warehouses, organized teams, and a growing fleet of trucks in place. The first large convoy departs at dawn toward the most heavily affected zones, while road clearance operations continue in parallel to open safe access routes.
Simultaneously, our third cargo plane arrives in the morning, with additional flights scheduled daily and maritime containers set to reach port on Monday. This marks the beginning of a coordinated, sustained response that will continue over the weeks and months ahead.
Through our strategic partnership with Royal Caribbean Group, GEM aid will also be placed onboard two cruise ships docked at the Falmouth Port, further expanding our logistical reach across the island and ensuring timely delivery to remote and hard-hit communities.
These efforts are being carried out in close coordination with Jamaica’s national disaster agency, ODPEM, alongside the Ministry of Local Government and Community Development, and local parish councils. Together with our partners, donors, and trained community teams, we are establishing a long-term framework to help rebuild lives, restore stability, and strengthen national resilience. #jamaica #bstrong @sflcaribbeanstrong @lyn.thalia @afjcares @good360usa #hurricanemelissa @romarley @bobmarleyfoundation @irie @iriefoundation @goldeneye @goldeneye_foundation
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 in the non-profit sector, 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.
