Goodbye 2025, Hello 2026

We’re so excited to step into a new year and see what’s ahead for DWD and our Scholars.



Cheers to growth, opportunity, and a bright future!

DWD Is Making Headlines as Nursing Shortage Reaches Critical Levels in the DMV

Fox 5 DC invited DWD CEO Barb Clapp to speak on the national healthcare workforce shortage and its growing impact on the DMV region.


In the DMV, the numbers are alarming—only about 70% of the nurses needed are currently in the workforce, and 95% of nurses report being understaffed. During the interview, Barb doesn’t sugarcoat it, calling the situation “catastrophic.”


A huge thank-you to Fox 5 DC and Marissa Mitchell for the opportunity to spotlight how DWD is building real solutions and strengthening the healthcare pipeline in the DMV and beyond.

Healthcare Wake-Up Call in Central Texas

DWD COO Maria Darby joined Waco’s 25 News KXXV to highlight just how critical CNAs are to patient care across Central Texas—calling them “the linchpin of the healthcare system.” Without CNAs, patient care slows and nurses are stretched even thinner.

The good news: DWD, alongside LaunchPoint Community Development Center, is taking action. Together, we’ve already trained more than 150 CNAs in the Bryan area to help strengthen and rebuild the local healthcare workforce.



Read the full story below to learn why this issue matters—and how solutions are taking shape locally.

January was full of milestones as Scholars earned their CNA and GNA certifications and officially launched their healthcare journeys! We’re so proud to support you and can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make in the field. Huge thanks to our incredible instructors and staff for helping make these successes possible. Check out some moments from the graduations below — well earned and well celebrated!

10 Graduates from Philadelphia Academy For Nurse Aide Training, Inc.

8 Graduates from Dawn Career Institute in Wilmington, Delaware

From North Florida to the Capitol!

Our North Florida Community Engagement Coordinator, MeShawn Foster, had an amazing time representing Dwyer at Rural Counties Day Florida, starting with a reception and wrapping up at the Florida Capitol! 

The event brought together rural leaders from across the state for energizing conversations around collaboration, workforce development, and sustainable community growth.


While in Tallahassee, MeShawn also connected with valued partners—Riverchase (Lilac), The Gables Tallahassee (Legends), and Tallahassee State College. These visits reinforced what we know to be true: strong partnerships are essential to advancing workforce and economic development across both rural and urban Florida. 

Mark Your Calendar for the Second Annual ACL Community Day in Austin

Austin friends — mark your calendars! On February 22, join us at ACL Community Day, a one-day, all-ages event filled with live music, venue tours, and community fun as ACL celebrates 15 years. We’ll be there with a booth, a caricaturist, free popcorn and merch — come say hey!

Maryland Graduation Ceremony

We’re excited to celebrate our upcoming Maryland graduation ceremony on February 25! More than 80 DWD Scholars will proudly walk across the stage at Southern Baptist Church in East Baltimore, marking the completion of their CNA training in partnership with ItWorks Training Center. 

We can’t wait to cheer them on as they take this next step in their healthcare journeys!

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.