Since 2012, Quality Buildings has partnered with Dunamis Connections on construction projects in South Africa and Brazil. This collaboration stems from our deeply aligned visions for community development and service. I’m proud to announce that we’re sponsoring the upcoming Empowering the Nations Event this April, continuing our long-standing commitment to meaningful social responsibility.
From Vision to Reality - The Shigamani Community Center
The story begins in December 2012, when I joined an exploratory trip to Shigamani village in South Africa. There, community members shared their dream of creating a center for youth activities and church gatherings. Moved by their vision, we decided to partner with Dunamis Connections to transform this dream into reality.
We created the initial concept drawings in 2013, setting the foundation for what would become the village’s main community event space. While we faced typical challenges of working in a developing nation, the most remarkable aspect has been witnessing the profound mindset transformation throughout the village.
What started as a simple community center has evolved into something much more significant. The project now includes a bakery and butcher shop, enabling the village to achieve self-sufficiency and establish businesses that serve neighboring communities. This growth perfectly exemplifies our core values of teaching others and meaningful community engagement.
A Multi-Generational Commitment to Positive Change
My involvement didn’t end with those initial drawings. I continue to serve on the Dunamis Connections event committee, helping organize the annual Empowering the Nations Event. Our Quality Buildings team member Therese’ Smucker also volunteers with the committee, demonstrating our company-wide commitment.
Most recently, my son traveled to South Africa in 2024 as part of a construction team working on the bakery and butcher shop, showing how this commitment extends across generations.
The impact of this project reaches far beyond physical structures. We’ve witnessed life-changing experiences both for the South African community members and for our construction teams who travel from the US. These cross-cultural exchanges offer powerful demonstrations of how we can influence positive change, whether locally or internationally.
Good Neighbors Locally and Globally
Beyond the Dunamis project, Quality Buildings actively supports community-focused organizations like ABC Keystone and ASA, which serve our local construction community. Our team recently spent a Saturday planting trees with Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, and we regularly support local church and missions efforts. Our goal remains simple yet profound: to be good neighbors both locally and globally.
Perhaps the most unexpected benefit from our community involvement has been the authentic relationships we’ve built through volunteer work—connections that exist outside the context of job performance or contracts. These genuine relationships remind us why we do this work in the first place.
Looking Forward to April's Empowering the Nations Event
As the event sponsor this year, we’re excited to participate in the Brazilian BBQ feast and silent auction. More importantly, we hope the event inspires others to get involved with Dunamis Connections or similar initiatives. There are countless opportunities to make a difference.
I invite you to join us at the Empowering the Nations Event in April. Together, we can continue building not just structures, but stronger communities and lasting change.
Any questions or if you want to participate, feel free to reach out directly to me: elmer@QualityBuildings.com
