Areas of expertise & Fields of activity:
|
Economic and Social:
Education
Food
Women
Gender Issues and Advancement of Women:
Education and training of women
Human rights of women
Violence against women
Women and armed conflict
Women and health
Women and poverty
Women and the economy
Social Development:
Conflict
Disabled persons
Poverty
Youth
Sustainable Development:
Agriculture
Human settlements
Poverty
Rural Development
Sanitation
Sustainable development for Africa
|
| Geographic scope: |
International
|
| Country of activity: |
South Sudan
|
| Millennium Development Goals: |
Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
Eradicate extreme poverty and hunger
Improve maternal health
|
| Mission statement: |
|
| Year established: |
|
| Year of registration: |
2014 |
| Organizational structure: |
GEMS Development Foundation was established by Ellen Ratner to expand the mission of the Goats for the Old Goat program, which was initially established to raise money and awareness to fight hunger in South Sudan. The Foundation gives goats to returning former slaves and people in South Sudan who are hungry – especially because of the ongoing civil conflict. As the program has expanded, GEMS Development Foundation was formed. GEMS stands for Goats, Education, Medicine, and Sustainability. Over the last three years, donations have been made to acquire goats for liberated slaves who were returning to South Sudan. More than 11,000 goats have been donated to the people of South Sudan to provide sustainable sustenance for their families and a means to begin their lives again. In addition, programs have been developed for the women of South Sudan who are suffering from PTSD. One of these programs combines a therapeutic breathing exercise and a beading technique which is also therapeutic, but gives a means of providing money to the women for the necklaces that they make and which are sold in the program online through our website. Education is provided for children through the Sidney Simon Mustard Seed Project; and we have recently contributed to the Comboni Catholic School to assist in their educational efforts. We also have programs for basketball (and work with the NBA’s Brooklyn Nets for equipment and clothing). With our wheelchair project, we provide supplies and the polio survivors make their own wheelchairs. These polio survivors also make mahogany crosses which are sold to individuals through our online efforts and give them a sense of dignity in helping obtain these wheelchairs. Medical teams with whom we work have travelled to South Sudan to participate in diagnostic assessments which will help bring much-needed medicines to these people, and will serve as a way to help prevent disease. By working with and expanding these programs, the GEMS Development Foundation plans to be a constant presence in South Sudan fostering sustainable development. GEMS Development Foundation is a Delaware nonprofit corporation, and has been approved by the IRS for recognition of exemption from taxation as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The organization is managed by the Executive Director, with a Board of Directors who provide guidance and approval on matters. Staff consists of two consultants in the US, providing marketing, social media, and administrative assistance. GEMS also has Legal Counsel and an Accountant/CPA on retainer. In South Sudan, GEMS has a Country Director, a Program Officer in Aweil. Also, through the Medical Program, GEMS has the head of Juba Medical Hospital, a Psychiatrist for our mental health projects, along with two psychologists who provide staff assistance for the mental health programs. We also have and advisor/liaison in country to assist when necessary. |
| Number and type of members: |
Executive Director Board of Directors - 9 members Legal Counsel Accountant/CPA Marketing Director Administrative Assistant Country Director Program Officer Four Medical Staff in country Advisor/Liaison |
| Funding structure: |
Fees for education and training services
Fees for providing consulting or research services
Product sales and business services
Other sources
Fundraising campaigns
|
| Funding structure other: |
Individual donations, as well as funding from website products and programs |
Quadrennial report due? Read more on our updated page.
Questions on applications, reports, or other inquiries
Applying for ECOSOC Consultative Status?
Obtaining a UN Grounds Pass
Registering for a UN Conference?