DWD Board Member Tony Carvajal recently penned an op-ed in the Tampa Bay Times, a publication with a reach of 2.8 million readers, discussing the urgent need for more nurses in Florida’s nursing homes.

Highlighting DWD’s holistic approach to addressing the healthcare workforce shortage, Carvajal emphasized the importance of partnerships with Florida colleges and workforce organizations to identify and nurture healthcare talent. Check it out!

DWD x CFG Bank Bank Mixer

Recently, CFG Bank hosted a Mixer to bring our teams together and allow us to share more about our mission. Leadership, including Barb Clapp, Jack Dwyer, Debbie Spangenberg, and Dan Baird, spoke about DWD's amazing impact on the healthcare industry and those who lack opportunity. We shared why our mission is so important and how together, we can continue to build strong, supportive communities.

Back-to-School Extravaganza

We were thrilled to host our First Annual Back-to-School Extravaganza at DWD’s Resource Center in East Baltimore. Over three days, we provided families with free backpacks filled with essential supplies and hosted story time with local personalities in our cozy reading corner. Families also selected a free children’s book and enjoyed sweet treats. The event was a huge success!

Thanks to Our Summer Interns

Join us in thanking our Summer 2024 interns for all their hard work! From left to right:



Annika (Anni) Mendoza, our Communications Intern, recently graduated from Loyola University Maryland with a degree in Marketing.

Beatrice (Bea) Pittroff, our Case Management Intern, is a rising senior at the University of Maryland, majoring in Psychology.

Jayden Ridgway, another Case Management Intern, is a rising freshman at the University of Pittsburgh, where he’s pursuing Nursing.

We are so grateful to have had Anni, Bea, and Jayden on board this summer. Their fresh perspectives and hard work have been invaluable to our mission, and we couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve achieved! 

CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia Celebrates Merger with All-Staff Event

Our Community Engagement Coordinator, Jodi Jackson, and Service Navigator, Geri Smith, attended a Career Source event celebrating the consolidation of two Florida workforce boards – CareerSource Brevard and CareerSource Flagler Volusia. The new name is Career Source Brevard Flagler Volusia (CSBFV). The event highlighted training, development, and the power of diverse perspectives. Since the merger, the new region has served 2,443 businesses, provided 39,723 services, and facilitated 3,542 job placements, including 1,920 veterans. They also hosted 88 job fairs, drawing 5,912 job seekers and 172 businesses. Here's to continued growth and success in the new region!

DWD Joins Summer Celebration at Family Promise Center of Brevard

We were honored to participate in the Summer Celebration hosted by the Family Promise Center of Brevard in Cocoa, Florida. Our Community Engagement Coordinator, Jodi Jackson, shared information about DWD’s healthcare career training program with nearly 100 local residents from the underserved 32922 area.

Attendees enjoyed food, giveaways of grocery and cleaning items, live music, and even a special appearance from the Brevard Zoo featuring a live turtle! We were joined by several community partners, including Elevate Brevard, Early Learning Coalition of Brevard, CareerSource Brevard, Brevard Adult Education, FuturePlan Financial, Viera Elks, Frito Lay, and Brevard Health Alliance—all of whom helped make the day special for families.

2024 Florida Learners to Earners Workforce Solution Summit

Our Director of Partnerships and Programs, Lisa Chamness, and Chief Operating Officer, Maria Darby, attended the 2024 Florida Learners to Earners Workforce Solution Summit, hosted by the Florida Chamber Foundation.

This event brought together leaders from across the state to discuss ways to strengthen Florida’s talent pipeline from cradle to career. Lisa and Maria connected with key stakeholders, exchanged ideas, and explored innovative workforce solutions. We’re excited to continue supporting Florida’s workforce and ensuring everyone has access to the resources and opportunities they need to succeed.

A Night at Camden Yards with Our Baltimore Eastside Scholars

Zsa-Shane Smith, our Maryland Community Engagement Coordinator, and Rosalind Ambrose, our Community Resource Center Coordinator, enjoyed a great evening at Camden Yards, cheering on the Orioles against the Yankees. We were thrilled to share this experience with our Eastside Scholars, along with Bishop Donte Hickman and members of Southern Baptist Church. Despite the Orioles' loss, the night was one to remember!

Building Stronger Connections in Texas

Our Director of Partnerships and Programs, Lisa Chamness, recently visited Texas to strengthen relationships and explore new collaborations. She began her trip at The Healing Project in Austin, where she joined our Texas Community Engagement Coordinator, Birdie Franklin, to support the local food pantry. Lisa then toured SoCo Village with Executive Director, Melissa Nix, and met the community’s beloved puppy, Bruno. She wrapped up her visit at Belmont Village Senior Living Lakeway, discussing future opportunities with Community Relations Manager, Landria Page, and Executive Director, Clint Strickland.

GED Classes Coming to Baltimore

Have you heard? DWD will be offering GED classes at our Baltimore Resource Center starting this September! Please share this exciting news with friends and colleagues who may be interested. Earning a high school diploma opens the door to a myriad of healthcare career opportunities. For more information, including the exact September start date, contact Dorlene Ricks, our Career Advancement Specialist, at dricks@dwyerworkforcedev.org.

New Florida Partners

Jodi Jackson, our Florida Community Engagement Coordinator, had a busy end of August meeting with several new partners across the state. Jodi visited Blountstown Health and Rehab Center, a facility that hires personal care assistants and trains them in-house to be Certified Nursing Assistants. We hope to be working with them shortly. Jodi also visited Chipola College. Through our partnership with Chipola College and Career Source Chipola, they plan to start training CNAs starting in the Fall.

DWD Partners with CareerEdge

and Meridian West Central College for

Tuition-Free CNA Program

We’re excited to announce our partnership with CareerEdge and Meridian West Central College to launch a tuition-free hybrid Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) class, offering free case management and need-based services, including support for housing, childcare, and transportation. Participants will receive thorough preparation for the state certification exam and job placement assistance upon completion. This program is designed to help meet the growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals in Sarasota and Manatee County.

DWD Is Growing 

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

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!

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