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Draft:Global Empowerment Mission

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Global Empowerment Mission
AbbreviationGEM
PredecessorHaiti Empowerment Mission
Formation2011 (2011)
FounderMichael Capponi
Type501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
Tax ID no. 45-3782061
Legal statusActive
PurposeDisaster relief, humanitarian aid, sustainable development
HeadquartersDoral, Florida, U.S.
ServicesEmergency disaster response, refugee assistance, community rebuilding
MethodsThree-phase model: Disaster Relief, Stabilization, Sustainable Development
FieldsHumanitarian aid, disaster relief
President and CEO
Michael Capponi
Key people
Bethenny Frankel (BStrong partnership)
Revenue$162.7 million (2024 tax filing)[1]
Websiteglobalempowermentmission.org

Global Empowerment Mission (GEM) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Doral, Florida, United States, focused on disaster relief and humanitarian aid. It was started in 2011 by Michael Capponi under the name Haiti Empowerment Mission (initial relief work was in Haiti following the 2010 Haiti earthquake). The name changed in 2016 as operations expanded internationally.[2] GEM has since responded to disasters in over 75 countries and all 50 U.S. states, holds a four-star rating from Charity Navigator,[1] and maintains a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.[3]


History

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Origins and Haiti (2010–2016)

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On January 12, 2010, a magnitude 7.0 earthquake hit Haiti, killing more than 200,000 people and displacing around 3 million.[2] Michael Capponi, a Miami businessman who had previously helped organize relief efforts during the Kosovo crisis in 1999, Hurricane Charley in 2004, and the Indian Ocean tsunami, arranged a relief flight with Miami Beach firefighters and doctors to Haiti shortly after the earthquake.

In 2011, Capponi formally established the Haiti Empowerment Mission as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, focusing on sustainable development in Haiti -rebuilding homes and schools.[2] GEMs initial work concentrated on long-term reconstruction efforts in Haiti's, with a permanent command and community center supporting all ten provinces.[4]

In 2016, as the organization's scope expanded beyond Haiti to include international disaster response, the Haiti Empowerment Mission was renamed Global Empowerment Mission.[2]

BStrong partnership (2017–present)

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In 2017, GEM partnered with Bethenny Frankel's BStrong initiative to handle the logistics of its disaster relief operations.[5] BStrong's model centers on giving cash cards directly to people affected by disasters so they can decide what they need most.

The partnership drew wider coverage later that year during Hurricane Maria, when BStrong chartered private planes to deliver aid, primarily to Puerto Rico.[6] By 2025, BStrong and GEM had collectively raised over $408 million in relief funds.[7]

Growth and international expansion

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GEM expanded its operations establishing nine global branches by 2025.[2] The organization's 60,000-square-foot headquarters in Doral, Florida,serves as the central hub for the organization.[2]

Operations

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Three-phase model

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GEM operates under a structured three-phase disaster response model:[2]

Phase 1: Disaster Relief — GEM deploys teams within 24 to 72 hours of a disaster, distributing emergency supplies including Family Necessity Kits (containing non-perishable food, hygiene items, and hydration supplies) and BStrong cash cards to affected populations.[8]

Phase 2: Stabilization — During the transitional recovery period, GEM provides programs to move families from temporary accommodations into stable housing, including rental assistance and relocation services.[8]

Phase 3: Sustainable Development — The long-term phase involves rebuilding infrastructure, homes, and livelihoods in partnership with local governments and community leaders.[8]

Key disaster responses

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Hurricane Dorian (2019)

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GEM responded to Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 hurricane that struck the Bahamas in September 2019.[a] The organization sent seven barge shipments and 30 planes of emergency aid to four Abaco Islands and Grand Bahama, and facilitated 859 evacuations through partnerships with Fly Tropic and Delta Air Lines.[9]

COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021)

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During the COVID-19 pandemic, GEM and BStrong distributed 7 million items of personal protective equipment (PPE) to medical facilities, hospitals, nursing homes, police and fire departments, and military bases across the United States, servicing over 782 facilities.[10] In February 2021, GEM partnered with NCS Group, whose fleet of 500 trucks supported the national logistics of GEM's relief efforts.[11]

Surfside condominium collapse (2021)

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Following the Surfside condominium collapse on June 24, 2021, which killed 98 people, GEM established the Champlain Tower Residents Fund, distributing BStrong Visa cards and providing hotel accommodations to displaced survivors from the first day of the tragedy.[12] The organization partnered with the Shul of Bal Harbour, EZS Events, and Hatzalah of South Florida to aid survivors.[13] GEM's phase 3 Champlain Survivor Relocation Fund assisted primary residents with security deposits and rent payments for long-term housing, with $242,523 disbursed by November 2021.[12] WSVN reported that GEM and other organizations helped survivors with long-term housing expenses.[14]

Russia–Ukraine war (2022–present)

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On February 25, 2022, one day after Russia's invasion of Ukraine, GEM BStrong deployed to Medyka, Poland, along the Ukrainian-Polish border to provide aid to refugees.[15] At a press conference in Rzeszów, Capponi announced that GEM would provide approximately $85 million in aid to Ukraine in its first phase.[15] NBC correspondent Kerry Sanders reported on the TODAY show that GEM was on the ground in Medyka helping refugees reach family members in Europe.[16] NBC's Today show also listed GEM among verified charities working to help Ukrainians amid the invasion.[17]

In March 2022, GEM established partnerships with former Polish First Lady Jolanta Kwaśniewska, Why Not Travel, and Airbnb.org to relocate Ukrainian refugees. Through this program, GEM relocated 38,744 Ukrainian refugees to over 40 countries and placed 13,624 people in temporary housing.[15] Airbnb.org announced GEM as a partner in its initiative to provide free, temporary housing to up to 100,000 refugees, with a focus on assisting marginalized communities including African students fleeing Ukraine.[18]

2023 Turkey–Syria earthquakes

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Following the February 2023 earthquakes in Turkey and Syria, GEM mobilized from its headquarters in Miami, its West branch in Chico, California, and its European branch in Warsaw, Poland, to collect and transport supplies to a warehouse in Mersin, Turkey.[19] GEM BStrong committed $20 million in supplies and distributed tens of thousands of Family Necessity Kits across seven provinces, reaching nearly 200 cities.[19]

Maui wildfires (2023)

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In response to the 2023 Hawaii wildfires that devastated Lahaina, GEM's BStrong team deployed to Maui with $15 million in committed aid for short- and long-term relocations and rebuilding efforts.[20]

2025 Los Angeles wildfires

[edit]

GEM deployed to Los Angeles County on January 9, 2025, in response to the January 2025 Southern California wildfires, establishing a logistical hub within 72 hours.[21] CBS News reported on the GEM-BStrong mobilization, featuring Frankel's efforts to aid wildfire victims.[22] Newsweek also reported on the response.[23] On April 22, 2025, GEM opened a 350,000-square-foot disaster relief warehouse in San Pedro, California, in partnership with Pow Wow on Parade, marking one of the largest coordinated relief efforts in Southern California.[24] In July 2025, GEM organized a "Hire a Survivor" job fair in Pasadena with the Cal OES and the Los Angeles Economic Development Corporation.[25] GEM announced a five-year commitment to long-term recovery for the Los Angeles area.[26]

Finances and governance

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Global Empowerment Mission is registered as a 501(c)(3) public charity with the Internal Revenue Service under EIN 45-3782061.[27] According to its 2024 tax filing, GEM reported total revenue of approximately $162.7 million.[1]

The organization holds a four-star rating (95 out of 100) from Charity Navigator, with scores across four categories: Accountability & Finance, Impact & Results, Leadership & Adaptability, and Culture & Community.[1] According to the organization, 97 percent of every dollar donated goes directly to mission-related activities.[2] Based on 2021 financial data, Charity Navigator estimated that approximately $0.32 in organizational costs provides a dollar's worth of essential goods to recipients.[1]

GEM also maintains a profile on GuideStar (now Candid) with a Platinum level of transparency.[28]

Media coverage

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GEM's disaster relief work has been covered by major media outlets including CNN, NBC, CBS News, The Washington Post, Newsweek, Forbes, and the Miami Herald.[16][22][23] The Washington Post reported on GEM's role in the Surfside disaster relief, noting the community response to the Champlain Towers collapse.[29]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ↑ Hurricane Dorian made landfall in the Bahamas on September 1, 2019, causing widespread devastation.

See also

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[edit]

Category:Non-profit organizations based in Florida Category:Disaster relief organizations based in the United States Category:Humanitarian aid organizations Category:Organizations established in 2011 Category:Doral, Florida Category:501(c)(3) organizations

References

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  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Global Empowerment Mission Inc". Charity Navigator. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Cite error: The named reference ourstory was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ↑ "Global Empowerment Mission". GuideStar. Retrieved April 7, 2026.
  4. ↑ "Haiti Operations". Global Empowerment Mission. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  5. ↑ "Bethenny Frankel's "bstrong" operated by Global Empowerment Mission". Global Empowerment Mission. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  6. ↑ "BStrong Disaster Relief Initiative". Bethenny.com. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  7. ↑ "Global Empowerment Mission and BStrong Continue To Mobilize Rapid Response to Support Los Angeles Fire Victims". KRON4. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  8. 1 2 3 "Disaster Relief". Global Empowerment Mission. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  9. ↑ "Hurricane Dorian". Global Empowerment Mission. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  10. ↑ "Covid 19". Global Empowerment Mission. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  11. ↑ "Global Empowerment Mission in Partnership with Bethenny Frankel's BStrong Initiative Align with NCS Group for Natural Disaster + COVID-19 Relief Efforts". GlobeNewsWire. February 17, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  12. 1 2 "Surfside Tower Collapse". Global Empowerment Mission. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  13. ↑ "Global Empowerment Mission, Shul of Bal Harbour, EZS Events, Hatzalah of S. FL, & Ygrene, aid Champlain Towers Survivors". GlobeNewsWire. July 25, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  14. ↑ "Global Empowerment Mission, other organizations help Surfside survivors with expenses for long-term housing". WSVN. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  15. 1 2 3 "Russia-Ukraine War". Global Empowerment Mission. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  16. 1 2 "Ukrainians Fleeing Russian Attacks to Get Help from South Florida". NBC 6 South Florida. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  17. ↑ "How to help Ukraine: 15 verified charities working to help Ukrainians amid invasion". TODAY. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  18. ↑ "Offering housing to refugees fleeing Ukraine, from all communities". Airbnb Newsroom. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  19. 1 2 "Türkiye–Syria Earthquake". Global Empowerment Mission. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  20. ↑ "Maui Wildfires". Global Empowerment Mission. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  21. ↑ "LA County Wildfires". Global Empowerment Mission. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  22. 1 2 "Bethenny Frankel mobilizes "BStrong" to aid California wildfire victims". CBS News. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  23. 1 2 "How Bethenny Frankel Is Helping LA Wildfire Victims". Newsweek. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  24. ↑ "New disaster relief warehouse opens in San Pedro". KNX News (Audacy). Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  25. ↑ "A Job Fair and Recovery Pop-Up for L.A. Wildfire Survivors is Coming to Pasadena". LAmag. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  26. ↑ "Global Empowerment Mission Expands LA Long-Term Wildfire Recovery Efforts To Mark Six Month Remembrance of Devastation". CBS 42. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  27. ↑ "Global Empowerment Mission Inc". ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  28. ↑ "Global Empowerment Mission Inc". GuideStar. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
  29. ↑ "Surfside collapse survivors and families have seen remarkable acts of kindness from the community and total strangers". The Washington Post. June 28, 2021. Retrieved February 13, 2026.
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