Over 300 GSW volunteers help build home for Americus mother of seven during second annual Big Event

AMERICUS, Ga. (May 6, 2025) — An Americus mother of seven, Tiffany Sims, was recently presented the keys to her family’s new home during a special dedication ceremony, marking the culmination of The Big Event: Blitz Build. Now in its second year, this large-scale volunteer project started as a collaborative partnership between Georgia Southwestern State University (GSW) and the Fuller Center for Housing, and has now expanded to include South Georgia Technical College and Phoebe Sumter Medical Center.

In the first week alone, more than 300 GSW students, faculty and staff rolled up their sleeves to begin construction on the four-bedroom, two-bath home, with many others continuing to lend their support throughout the building process. The project holds special significance as the Fuller Center is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.

“I’m just so incredibly grateful,” said Sims at the dedication ceremony, who contributed countless "sweat equity" hours during the home’s construction. “Owning a home has been a dream of mine for so long—something I’ve hoped for and imagined over the years. But financially, it was always out of reach. Every time I got close, something got in the way. When I got that phone call, I thought, ‘This is it—it’s finally happening!’ I’m so happy to finally have a place of my own. Thank you to everyone who gave their time to make this possible. You have truly blessed us, and we promise to take great care of this home.”

For GSW students, The Big Event is more than just volunteer work—it’s a powerful, hands-on learning experience. Students gain real-world skills like time management, leadership, teamwork and problem-solving, all while engaging in civic responsibility and community service. They build more than walls—they build connections, awareness and a deeper understanding of the social and economic challenges faced by families in our region.

“At Georgia Southwestern, we believe education extends far beyond the classroom,” said GSW President Michelle Johnston, Ph.D. “Through projects like this, our students not only learn practical skills—they also learn empathy, leadership and the value of giving back. It’s experiences like these that shape them into engaged citizens and compassionate professionals who will go on to make meaningful contributions in their communities. This partnership united the community in an extraordinary act of service.”

The dedication ceremony took place at the residence on South Dudley St., drawing guests from GSW, SGTC,  Phoebe Sumter and the broader Americus community. The event celebrates what’s possible when a community comes together with heart, purpose and determination to serve others.

“There’s one thing that’s always a constant with a home build—God is the foundation, He is the driving force behind everything,” Jody Wade, president of the Americus-Sumter Fuller Center for Housing. David Snell, international president of the Fuller Center for Housing, added, “There’s no greater day in a Fuller Center project than the day we dedicate the house.”

Work was completed under the guidance of contractor Peter Salemme with Americus Handyman Services, with the help of his sons, Alex and Paul.

View photos from The Big Event and Dedication Ceremony on GSW’s Facebook.