Live Updates

GEM Tool Program Launch in Kerr County, Texas

Last week, our GEM USA Southwest Branch proudly rolled out our long-standing Tool Program in Kerr County, Texas—bringing hope, resilience, and sustainability to families and contractors still working to recover from disaster.

This initiative focuses on restoring the livelihoods of skilled workers who form the backbone of rebuilding efforts. By replacing essential tools lost in the disaster, we empower contractors across every trade—general contractors, carpenters, electricians, plumbers, roofers, welders, masons, painters, and HVAC technicians, to return to work quickly, rebuild their businesses, and restore homes and communities.

These are the people who put families back under safe roofs, who restore electricity and plumbing, and who make devastated houses livable again. Every tool replaced is more than equipment, it’s a pathway to self-sufficiency, dignity, and faster community recovery.
• Neighbors helping neighbors.
• Tools turning into opportunities.
• Families moving back home.

Recovery is never possible without partners, donors, and the spirit of community that binds us together. With every hammer, drill, or welding torch replaced, another Texan craftsman gets back to work—not just rebuilding homes, but rebuilding hope and stronger communities for generations to come. Special thanks to @homedepot To learn more please visit the link in our bio. #TexasFlood #GEMUSA #Bstrong #RebuildTogether #Community #GEMmissions special thanks to @homedepot ...

The GEM West Tribal Impact Team was deeply honored to host an elders’ blessing gathering for the Tachi Yokut Tribe. This sacred day carried profound significance as we paid tribute to two of the tribe’s eldest members—both in their 90s, whose wisdom and presence continue to guide their people.

The air was filled with prayers, the steady heartbeat of drums, and songs spoken in their native tongue, a powerful reminder of resilience and cultural strength. At the center of it all, a tiny dancer moved with pure joy, offering her gift of dance to the elders, a living bridge between generations.

With love and gratitude, we blessed the elders with air purifiers, clean water, home goods, shoes, and other essentials—small tokens of care for those who have given so much to their community. This was more than a gathering; it was a celebration of life, culture, and the unbreakable spirit of the Tachi Yokut people. To learn more, please visit: GEM.org ...

Ukraine Food & Wash Sector update.

The dots on this map represent the locations we have supported. To date, our teams have delivered more than 6.4 million family kits and 38.7 million liters of water—the equivalent of 396 million meals reaching those in urgent need.

Each month, we mobilize 400 trucks loaded with Ukraine-grown food directly into front-line regions. This aid reaches over 1,400 towns and villages, ensuring that help arrives right into the hands of the people who need it most.

Reporting from the UN Food Securities & Wash Clusters confirms that GEM, in partnership with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation (HGBF), is the single largest supplier of food to front-line regions in Ukraine.

We remain deeply grateful to the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, whose unwavering support has made this scale of impact possible.

The map reflects the extraordinary reach we’ve been able to achieve together.

#ukraine #gemmissions #hgbf #foodsecurity #kharkiv #donetsk #kherson #zaporizhia #chernihiv #kherson ...

A few glimpses inside the factory producing windows for our GEM–HGBF Windows Program.

In the face of relentless and increasingly frequent attacks on civilian infrastructure, this initiative has become a lifeline. By enabling families to repair and replace shattered windows, we help them remain in their own homes rather than face displacement. This work is especially urgent with the cold season approaching, when the ability to quickly replace broken windows is often out of reach for many households.

To date, we have already installed more than 259,914 windows across Ukraine, allowing 739,797 people to stay in their homes. Each repaired home represents one less family forced into internal displacement or exile, helping to prevent an even greater refugee crisis from unfolding.

#ukraine #windows #gemmission #hgbf ...

Images from our @globalempowermentmissionmena teams in Pakistan. 0ver 300 people already confirmed dead in the mountainous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Teams will be supporting families in this area this week. #pakistanfloods2025 #KhyberPakhtunkhwa #monsoon ...

At GEM, we have always been committed to operating methodically, ethically, and with a singular focus: bringing hope and dignity to people in their greatest time of need.

Through our smart partnerships with @hcicanada and FK Logistics, we are able to deliver aid in ways that are safe, effective, and deeply impactful. Below are some highlights that set our operations apart:

Key Differentiators
• Fully Authorized: Registered with both Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora and the Palestinian Authority, giving GEM broad and ongoing approval to deliver aid directly into Gaza.
• Proven Track Record: In two years of operations in Gaza, only three trucks have ever been looted—an exceptionally low figure in such a volatile environment.
• Direct-to-Family Distribution: Unlike many organizations that require recipients to travel through dangerous zones to reach aid points, GEM delivers directly to vetted families within their camps.
• Nutritional Aid: Each family receives a 23 kg pre-packed box containing 76 nutritious meals, ensuring consistent and reliable food security.
• Safe Water Access: GEM purchases desalinated water inside Gaza, conducts independent testing to ensure safety, and then brings clean water directly by truck to families in need.

For security reasons, we cannot announce distribution locations in advance. Please know, however, that GEM continues to do everything possible to protect vulnerable communities and to deliver aid where we can and where it is needed most.

@globalempowermentmission @globalempowermentmissionmena @hcicanada ...

The Power of Renewal

From the ashes of loss, a new chapter is being written in Lahaina. Yesterday, we stood with the community at the historic Jodo Mission — a sacred place that has been a cornerstone of Maui’s spiritual and cultural life for over a century. In the face of hardship, their unity and resilience shine brighter than ever.

Our GEM Hawaii-Pacific branch was humbled to play even a small role in this renewal. In partnership with @lahainajodomission , @edfreedman, @stableroadfoundation, @mauigarrett, @mauibrewingco, and @treecoverylahaina, we helped build two new homes for the family of Gensho Hara the visionary who first brought Buddhism to Maui.

The Jodo Mission is more than a landmark — it is a living testament to faith, heritage, and community. We invite you to watch the video clips, where you’ll hear powerful stories about its sacred history and enduring role in Lahaina’s spirit of hope. #lahaina #maui #renewal #buddhism @globalempowermentmission @globalempowermentmissionhawaii ...

Event Post 2 of 2: This past weekend, GEM Executive Board Members India Hicks and Nina Lesavoy hosted the 3rd Annual Hamptons Summer Celebration, honoring the impactful work of Global Empowerment Mission. Set against the stunning backdrop of Nina Lesavoy’s home in Sag Harbor, guests gathered for an unforgettable evening of sunset cocktails, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and live music by reggae icon Winston Irie & the Selective Security Band.
As the program began, India Hicks took the stage to reflect on her recent frontline mission to Ukraine with her two sons, Amory and Conrad, where they personally delivered aid to families in crisis. She then raised a heartfelt toast to GEM Founder and President Michael Capponi, applauding his unwavering leadership and dedication. Michael followed with powerful remarks detailing GEM’s mission and global impact-reaching 71 countries to date.

The evening culminated in an exciting paddle raise led by renowned auctioneer Letitia Frye, generating more than $150,000+ in support-an amount that continues to grow thanks to the generosity of attendees.

Adding to the momentum, @twpclothing donated 15% of total sales from their Southampton and Sag Harbor boutiques on event weekend, and in a remarkable show of support, pledged to match the funds raised, effectively doubling their contribution to GEM’s lifesaving work. Thank u Andrew

Notables in Attendance: India Hicks, Nina Lesavoy, Andrew Rosen & Jenny Dyer, Alison Bruhn, Candace Bushnell, Bruce Weber, Nan Bush, Nicole Miller, Fern Mallis, Alina Kurska, Isaac Boots, Pippa Cohen, Carl Bernstein, Katie Cassidy, Stephen Huszar, Countess Luann, Luisa Beccaria Bonaccorsi, Ron and Marta Bloom, Michael Clinton, Scott Woodward, Reed Boren.

Very Special Thank you to @davidflintwood for donating a fabulous Rum bar featuring @idleassembly @idlespirits, and to @fieldbar.co

@michaelcapponi @indiahicksstyle @nlesavoy_ @bruceweber @katiecassidy @stephenhuszar @carlbernstein @nicolemillerlife @candacebushnell @fernmallis @macglobetrotter @3_felix
@wesley_thecreator @dominofw007@amoryflintwood @conradflintwood @alina.kurs_@martabloom @ron_bloom @scottwoodward @majelheart @kariannefields @jakeharris2 ...

Event Post 1 of 2: This past weekend, GEM Executive Board Members India Hicks and Nina Lesavoy hosted the 3rd Annual Hamptons Summer Celebration, honoring the impactful work of Global Empowerment Mission. Set against the stunning backdrop of Nina Lesavoy’s home in Sag Harbor, guests gathered for an unforgettable evening of sunset cocktails, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, and live music by reggae icon Winston Irie & the Selective Security Band.

As the program began, India Hicks took the stage to reflect on her recent frontline mission to Ukraine with her two sons, Amory and Conrad, where they personally delivered aid to families in crisis. She then raised a heartfelt toast to GEM Founder and President Michael Capponi, applauding his unwavering leadership and dedication. Michael followed with powerful remarks detailing GEM’s mission and global impact—reaching 71 countries to date.

The evening culminated in an exciting paddle raise led by renowned auctioneer Letitia Frye, generating more than $150,000+ in support—an amount that continues to grow thanks to the generosity of attendees.

Adding to the momentum, @twpclothing donated 15% of total sales from their Southampton and Sag Harbor boutiques on event weekend, and in a remarkable show of support, pledged to match the funds raised, effectively doubling their contribution to GEM’s lifesaving work. Thank u Andrew

Notables in Attendance: India Hicks, Nina Lesavoy, Andrew Rosen & Jenny Dyer, Alison Bruhn, Candace Bushnell, Bruce Weber, Nan Bush, Nicole Miller, Fern Mallis, Alina Kurska, Isaac Boots, Pippa Cohen, Carl Bernstein, Katie Cassidy, Stephen Huszar, Countess Luann, Luisa Beccaria Bonaccorsi, Ron and Marta Bloom, Michael Clinton, Scott Woodward, and more.

Very Special Thank you to @davidflintwood for donating a fabulous Rum bar featuring @idleassembly @idlespirits, and to @fieldbar.co

@michaelcapponi @indiahicksstyle @nlesavoy_ @bruceweber @katiecassidy @stephenhuszar @carlbernstein @nicolemillerlife @candacebushnell @fernmallis @macglobetrotter @3__felix @wesley_thecreator @dominofw007 @amoryflintwood @conradflintwood @alina.kurs_ @martabloom @ron_bloom @scottwoodward @majelheart @kariannefields @jakeharris2 ...

IMPORTANT UPDATE ON GAZA

Today, the Government of Israel has officially authorized GEM to resume our humanitarian operations inside Gaza.

GEM is one of only a handful of international organizations officially registered with both the Government of Israel and the Palestinian Authority — a critical distinction that enables us to deliver aid effectively and with transparency.

Over the past 1.5 years, our team has maintained one of the most secure and efficient delivery systems in the region, with only two trucks ever compromised. This is a testament to our disciplined logistics and unwavering focus on one goal: alleviating human suffering by delivering life-saving aid directly into the hands of civilians.

Thanks to our dedicated partners — @hcicanada and FK Logistics — we are now mobilizing the delivery of over 10 million packaged meals in humane kits, each weighing approximately 23 kg. These kits are designed to meet the immediate nutritional needs of families in crisis.

In addition to shelf-stable meals, our @globalempowermentmissionmena branch is also distributing fresh produce kits, locally sourced vegetables, and tested, purified water — a vital resource in a region where over 90% of the water supply is currently contaminated.

We remain fully committed to the people of Gaza and to providing them with the dignity of direct, safe, and essential aid. We also again pray for the release of hostages and a positive and safe way forward for all people. #dignity #humanity #sustenance #water #foodsecurities ...

This week, we were out in eastern Ukraine, overseeing our GEM HGBF food kit distributions. We were in Izium (formerly occupied and now deoccupied) and the Malodanylivka community within the Kharkiv region. We also had the opportunity to visit local Ukrainian farmers and personally witness the new vegetable harvest grown from seeds previously distributed by our team.

In response to growing needs and the increasing number of internally displaced persons across multiple regions, GEM HGBF has expanded its food security program by 38%, effective this month. As of today, our programs in Ukraine, ranging from food security to water and shelter are providing critical support to over 800,000 people every month on a steady and dependable basis.

We are proud to stand alongside these resilient communities, where our support remains both vital and deeply needed. Despite the constant threat of shelling, these individuals continue to live, work, farm, and grow their crops with extraordinary determination—showcasing the strength of the human spirit in even the harshest conditions.

GEM is incredibly grateful for our partnership with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation who makes all our work in #Ukraine possible. ...

Yesterday, our GEM USA West team, together with our incredible partners, made history.

We launched a new chapter in disaster recovery with one of our signature Recovery Pop-Ups, this time introducing a groundbreaking addition: “Hire a Survivor.”

For the first time ever, a job fair was held specifically for families impacted by a disaster. In addition to accessing vital long-term recovery resources, survivors were given something even more powerful, the chance to secure meaningful employment that could change their lives.

This is what true empowerment looks like.

Thousands of opportunities were offered, with over 500 jobs pledged, many providing prevailing wages, high-profile roles, and skilled positions in the trades and construction industries. Recruitment efforts were further strengthened through the support of the LAPD, LA County Sheriff’s Department, and Pasadena agencies.

This event wasn’t just a job fair, it was a life-changing moment for hundreds of survivors and a major milestone in the evolution of disaster recovery. To learn more about these programs, please visit the link in our bio section.

#GEMUSAWest #HireASurvivor #DisasterRecovery #JobFair #FireSurvivors #Empowerment #LongTermRecovery #gemmissions ...

This week, GEM MENA @globalempowermentmissionmena in partnership with SmartAID @smartaidint, successfully distributed fresh vegetable kits to vulnerable families in Khan Younis, Middle Area, and Gaza City, providing much-needed nutrition to thousands of civilians affected by the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Each kit contains a variety of fresh vegetables, essential ingredients for a balanced diet, helping families prepare healthy meals amid an escalating food shortage.

In a place where access to food is no longer guaranteed, these fresh vegetables are more than just produce, they are a lifeline. Every family deserves the dignity of fresh, nutritious food.

A heartfelt thank you to our partner SmartAID and to all our supporters who make this life-saving work possible.To learn more, and how you can support our mission please visit the link in our bio section, or: https://www.globalempowermentmission.org ...

Six months after the devastating wildfires swept through Los Angeles County, survivors are still facing the harsh reality of unemployment, fighting to rebuild their lives without the stability of work.

This day is dedicated to YOU - an opportunity to kickstart your recovery, meet with case managers, explore resources, connect with employers, and spend meaningful time with your community.
Free Lunch, Family Activities & Games
Live Music.

SATURDAY JULY 19TH 11AM - 5PM
3700 E. Sierra Madre Blvd, Pasadena, CA

To learn more and to support GEM USA West’s LA County Missions, please visit: https://www.globalempowermentmission.org/mission/la-county-wildfires/ #LAFires #hireasurvivor #disasterrelief #firesurvivor #empowerment #GEMmissions ...