CEO Barb Clapp on Schwab’s Market on Close

Our CEO, Barb Clapp, went to the floor of the New York Stock Exchange to record with Schwab's Market on Close to talk about how healthcare continues to anchor the U.S. labor market even as AI and trade policy disrupt other sectors. With demand for caregivers and nursing staff surging, healthcare remains one area where technology cannot replace human labor.

DWD Workforce Model Driving Wellsential Health’s Growth

Dwyer Workforce Development was recently featured in McKnight’s Long-Term Care News in a story highlighting how our workforce development model is helping fuel the growth of Wellsential Health, in Texas.

Our CEO Barb Clapp shares how DWD’s workforce-first approach is expanding care capacity, strengthening staffing, and reinvesting in caregiver development. The piece also highlights Wellsential’s rise to becoming the nation’s largest nonprofit skilled nursing provider, by bed count—powered in part by a stronger, more sustainable caregiver pipeline built through workforce development.

Spring is already bringing big momentum across DWD! This past month, Scholars reached exciting milestones earning their CNA certifications and stepping confidently into their healthcare careers.

Take a look at some highlights from our recent graduations below—hard work, perseverance, and well-deserved celebrations all around!

Pressley Ridge Graduation in Baltimore, Maryland

Port Lavaca Nursing and Rehabilitation Graduation in Texas

CareBridge Academy Graduation in Pennsylvania

FutureCare Irvington Graduation in Baltimore, Maryland

Windsor Harlingen Graduation in Texas

FutureCare Homewood Graduation in Baltimore, Maryland

Creating More Roads to Opportunity with CareerEdge in Florida

Strong partnerships create real opportunities—and our collaboration with CareerEdge Funders Collaborative of Sarasota, Florida, is doing exactly that. Check out this video where our partner, Director Kevin Golumbek, shares how working alongside Dwyer Workforce Development is helping create clear, accessible pathways into healthcare careers.

Together, we’re connecting Scholars with hands-on experience, meaningful employment opportunities, and the support needed to succeed from day one.

Legislative Meetings and Podcast Recording in Austin, Texas

Our CEO Barb Clapp and Director of Communications Karen Evander recently traveled to Austin, Texas to meet with state legislators at the Capitol and share more about DWD’s impact across Texas. During the visit, Barb also recorded an episode of Another Week of Available Work with Joe Esparza, Chairman of the Texas Workforce Commission.

The team also got to spend time with partners, including Monument PR, Moody Center, Wellsential Health, and Hance Scarborough!

Community Wellness & Job Fair in Pharr, Texas Draws Strong Turnout

We partnered with Wellsential Health to host our Community Wellness & Job Fair in Pharr, Texas—and the turnout was incredible!

We welcomed 100+ attendees including our Scholars, community members, and job seekers eager to explore opportunities in healthcare. With the support of 25+ vendors, the event created meaningful connections and pathways to education, training, and employment. A huge thank you to our partners who showed up and supported our community.

Driving the Future of Senior Care—Together at the NIC Spring Conference

DWD’s Director of Partnerships and Programs, Lisa Chamness, joined thousands of industry leaders at the 2026 NIC Spring Conference in Nashville, exploring bold ideas and innovative solutions shaping the future of senior care.

From connecting with top capital providers and operators to building new partnerships, the momentum is real. We’re bringing it all back to strengthen our impact in the communities we serve.

Building Community Connection in Jacksonville, Florida

Community Engagement Coordinator MeShawn Foster attended the Jacksonville Black Chamber of Commerce’s “JBCC Meet & Greet” at the Maceo Elks Lodge.

The event brought together 100+ local leaders across business and nonprofit sectors. MeShawn connected with partners and stakeholders, strengthening relationships that support workforce development and economic mobility.

A Productive Advisory Board Meeting at Southern Careers Institute in the Rio Grande Valley

We had a great afternoon connecting with community partners at the Advisory Board Meeting at Southern Careers Institute in the Rio Grande Valley! It was an energizing opportunity to share ideas, discuss workforce trends, and collaborate on ways to strengthen our programs and better serve Dwyer Scholars.

These conversations remind us why this work matters—and we're excited to turn those insights into action.

Supporting Literacy and Community in McAllen, Texas

We attended the 5th Annual Roll & Read, hosted by Easterseals Rio Grande Valley at Firemen’s Park in Texas, alongside more than 20 community partners and nonprofits.

The morning focused on literacy, inclusion, and supporting the well-being of children and families across the community. Events like this reinforce what’s possible when organizations come together around a shared purpose.

Advancing Dementia Care Connections

We recently attended the Dementia Capable Cares Brain Health Summit, hosted at Searstone Retirement Community. The event brought together leaders focused on improving support for individuals living with dementia, their care partners, and the aging population. While there, we connected with home care providers and nonprofit partners in the aging and brain health space. These conversations continue to strengthen our network and deepen our engagement in communities advancing compassionate, high-quality care.

Second Annual Careforce Collective

We've officially set a date for our second annual Careforce Collective leadership breakfast! On October 8, we're excited to host another morning of inspiration and connection. Mark your calendars and keep an eye out for more information to come!

May Career Fair with ItWorks

We’re hosting a career fair with It Works on May 14 from 12-3 pm, open to anyone interested in starting or growing their career in healthcare. The event will be held in Baltimore at Touchpoint. Job seekers can meet with healthcare employers, learn about open roles, and explore pathways into meaningful careers in the healthcare field.


For more information, please contact Zsa-Shane Smith at zsmith@dwyerworkforcedev.org.

DWD is Growing

We're expanding our team and looking for passionate individuals to join us in making a positive impact!

Don't miss out on this chance to be part of a dynamic team committed to workforce development!

Know Someone Looking to Grow Their Career in Health Care?

Calling all nonprofits, government agencies, case managers, social workers, faith community leaders, and counselors dedicated to serving unemployed and under-employed community members! We invite you to connect with us and explore how we can collaborate to become a valuable workforce development resource for your organization and the individuals you support. 

Let's work together to empower and uplift our community through meaningful employment opportunities and skill-building programs. Reach out to us today to start this impactful journey together!

Help us spread the word about the impact and positive changes we are making in healthcare. Like, share, and follow our stories on social media to create awareness and inspire others to join our cause.