The Orthodox GEMS (St. Gabriel's Empowering, Mentoring and Solidarity) Organization, founded in October 2011, is a non-profit subset of the Debre Ganet Kidus Gabriel Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church.

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The GEMS Organization's goals are to implement programs that will improve the moral of the young females (ages 10 and above) in the church.  It is to foster a committed program that will promote amicable friendships, strong interpersonal skills, and reassert a strong sense of faith and hope for the future.  Only through positive and reinforcing relationships and strong self-worth and self-respect can these young women understand their roles in the church, families, school, professional, and social realms.  The Orthodox GEMS Organization is a direct response to the growing rate of females that are feeling as if they are not heard, appreciated and repsected in the community on a whole.

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We believe strongly that the enhancement of any young female's ability to prosper, succeed and thrive, starts with understanding and increasing their beliefs and within the notion that love and respect begins with "me".  We aim to expose the females to unique opportunities to participate in social and educational workshop, attend leadership conferences, and facilitate programs and events.  We believe it is our goal to teach the young females many valuable principles such as responsibility, social interaction, financial awareness and sisterhood, which we judge to be strong factors that will lead to a bright and successful future for each GEMS member.

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We also encourage and participate in community service and outreach.  We have yearly fundraising events and quarterly clothing, toiletries and canned food drives that are in collaboration with the Newark Emergency Services in Newark, NJ.  These programs teach the young females many valuable principles such as responsibility, budgeting, social interaction, tolerance and understanding.  It also provides them with the opportunity to assist in the betterment of others and taking note of what their community at large is facing.

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We have also implemented a scholarship fund for an eligible member entering into their first year of their second education.  This will enable a member to achieve her goals and lessen her financial burden.

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As we progress forward and continue each day striving to make a difference in these young GEMS lives, we look for more ways to get involved, as well as give back.  We want to enhance their experience and increase their opportunities, as well as, continue on the path of networking, empowering and community involvement.