Meet Briyona, A Dwyer Scholar and a Powerful LPN

When you first meet Briyona, one of our Dwyer Scholars, you’re captivated by her kindness and warmth. But what you may not immediately see is her resilience. Watch her inspiring story and discover the difference a single year can make. A special thank-you to our partner, Keswick, for welcoming us to film portions of Briyona’s story at their site and for their continued support of our mission.

Meet Unwana, A Grateful Dwyer Scholar

We all fell in love with Unwana—and now it’s your turn. She's a shining example of resilience and the power of following your calling.

Let her words inspire you to pause, reflect, and appreciate the people who have helped you move forward.

We hope that during this giving and holiday season, you will consider supporting DWD as we continue to change people’s lives for the better. Your support provides crucial training, mentorship, and resources that empower individuals to pursue sustainable careers and realize their full potential.



It takes a community, and you’re a part of ours! 

Help support our Dwyer Scholars and their families by donating today!

Support the Future of Healthcare—And Enter to Win Tickets to a Sold-Out 
Grammy-Winning Bluegrass Show!

You have a chance to help solve the healthcare workforce crisis today—
and WIN FREE TICKETS to an upcoming show at ACL Live in Austin, Texas!

Donate to support free healthcare training, mentorship, and job placement, or enter without donating—and be entered to win two tickets to the sold-out show on December 14.

Hint: The performer is a 2x Grammy award–winning bluegrass artist!

No donation is necessary to enter and win. See Official Rules.

Building Houston’s Healthcare Future—One Scholar at a Time

We’re proud to celebrate a powerful milestone in our partnership with Launch Point Community Development Center (CDC): more than 600 healthcare workers were trained in Houston in the past year alone. And we’re just getting started.

Dwyer Workforce Development trained over 2,100 healthcare workers across Texas in 2024, with plans to expand even further in 2026.

Our bold goal? Train 100,000 CNAs nationwide by 2030—lifting communities and providing real solutions to the healthcare staffing crisis.

Together, we’re not only training workforce heroes—we’re transforming lives.

Read more about our impact with Launch Point CDC below.

It’s Never Too Late: 
Sandra’s Journey to a New Beginning

Meet Sandra, a Texas Dwyer Scholar, whose journey could inspire us all. From learning English and earning her GED to launching a rewarding career as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Sandra has shown us that it’s never too late to follow your dreams.

Sandra’s story was recently featured in El Periódico, highlighting her determination and the impact of the DWD program.

WCSE and DWD Partner to Strengthen Texas’ Healthcare Workforce

DWD is proud to partner with Williams Career School of Excellence (WCSE) in San Marcos to expand access to high-quality CNA training across Central Texas. Through this collaboration, Scholars receive not only hands-on healthcare education but also the wraparound support they need to succeed—including transportation, childcare, housing assistance, and one-on-one case management.

Together, WCSE and DWD are helping meet the region’s growing demand for skilled healthcare professionals. Nearly 100 CNAs have already completed training through the pilot program, with many more on the path to launching meaningful, in-demand careers.


Read more about our partnership with WCSE below.

Graduations continued in November with Scholars across all our states celebrating after receiving their CNA or GNA certifications. We are so excited to see you all grow and thrive in your careers. 

Check out some pictures from the graduations below!

90 Maryland Graduates

On Wednesday, November 19, DWD proudly celebrated our newest class of CNAs. More than 90 Scholars walked the stage to receive their CNA certificates, taking an exciting first step in their healthcare careers.

This cohort received their training through ItWorks Learning Center and heard inspiring remarks from Gloria Ray, who began her healthcare career as a CNA 55 years ago and rose to become the Head Nurse in Cardiothoracic Surgery at the University of Maryland. Today, she serves as the Director of Quality Assurance and Infection Control at Keswick MultiCare Center, showing our graduates what is possible with determination and heart.

Scholars and their families joined the DWD team at Southern Baptist Church to celebrate this meaningful milestone together.

We could not be prouder of our Scholars and cannot wait to see the bright futures they are building in healthcare.

11 Graduates from Future Care in Baltimore

Graduates from Health Focus in Baltimore

18 Graduates from CareerEdge in Sarasota, Florida

11 Graduates from TSC in Texas

12 Graduates from Wellsential in Weslaco, Texas

All-Heart Scrubs

Our Dwyer Scholars deserve the best, which includes feeling and looking their best, and that is exactly what they get with our partners at All-Heart. Abigail and her team go above and beyond to equip our Scholars in Maryland with the scrubs they need to look professional and feel confident.

Abigail jumped right in to get our Scholars the vouchers they need in a timely manner, making sure they have the proper uniforms for class and clinicals. Thank you, All-Heart, for your partnership and for helping our Scholars get dressed for success!

Med Aide Class Launches in the Rio Grande Valley

We’re excited to welcome the first cohort of our Medication Aide Class at Windsor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center of Harlingen, in partnership with Cameron County Education Initiative Inc. (CCEI)! Thanks to a grant made possible by Rio South Texas Economic Development Corporation (ECDF) and other partners, this training is fully supported.

This group is stepping into a new chapter—and we’re proud to support their journey as they prepare to earn their Medication Aide credential and continue delivering quality care in our community.

Stay tuned for more updates as they progress, and join us in congratulating this group on taking this impactful step!

Launching with Momentum:

Our First Job Skills Workshop Was a Hit!

The DWD Case Management team in Baltimore recently hosted our very first resume and job skills workshop in a three-part series at our DWD headquarters—and it was a huge hit.

Twenty-three Dwyer Scholars received one-on-one career advice from their Case Managers, including resume support, interview tips, and more.

We are already looking forward to our second career workshop in December!

Bringing Opportunity to Life at the Healthcare Talent Connect Fair

We had a fantastic time partnering with Weslaco Economic Development and Workforce Solutions for the Healthcare Talent Connect Job Fair in Weslaco, TX!

DWD Community Engagement Coordinator, Joan Garza, and Case Manager, Jaime Rosas, were on-site to support our Dwyer Scholars and connect with community members who may benefit from our program.



Thank you to all the organizations that were in attendance! We couldn’t do this without you!

The DWD Team Back Together Again!

DWD team members from Texas, Florida, and Pennsylvania joined our Maryland colleagues in Baltimore for a week full of training, collaboration, and fun. From celebrating birthdays to trying to break out of escape rooms, the week was all about learning, bonding, and strengthening connections across the DWD family.

A Florida Job Fair

Coming up in December, DWD, along with Sharron Nursing of North Florida, will host a job fair for our Scholars and potential Scholars in Jacksonville. The event will feature employers, community resources, and yes, free food! We are proud to support our future healthcare workers as they take the next step toward a rewarding new career.

As we head into the holiday season, we’re especially grateful for your support of our mission—today and every day. Your partnership helps us empower Scholars, strengthen the healthcare workforce, and create brighter futures in the communities we serve.

Wishing you and yours a warm and wonderful holiday season.

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.