Dwyer Workforce Development
Dwyer Workforce Development (DWD) is a United States-based workforce development nonprofit[1] organization focused on addressing the national healthcare staffing shortage through comprehensive workforce development initiatives. Established in 2021 by Jack and Nancy Dwyer, DWD creates career pathways in the healthcare sector for individuals who face systemic barriers to employment. The organization isfocused on training and supporting individuals aspiring to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) or Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNAs).
According to its mission statement, DWD is addressing the healthcare workforce crisis by providing training, job placement, wraparound services, case management, and opportunities for career advancement. Its programming is designed to serve individuals from diverse backgrounds and age groups, equipping them with the skills and support necessary to enter and progress within the healthcare industry. Participants in DWD programs are referred to as "Scholars." After obtaining CNA or GNA licensure and maintaining employment in the field for a minimum of nine months, Scholars become eligible for additional career upskilling support.
Since September of 2022, DWD has served over 6,000 Scholars and currently operates in Maryland, Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Kansas and New York. [2]
The organization was founded as part of Jack Dwyer’s broader philanthropic efforts; he is also the founder of Capital Funding Group and CFG Bank,[3] based in Baltimore, Maryland.[4] Dwyer has cited his experiences in the financial and healthcare sectors as formative in recognizing the critical need for improved support for healthcare workers and senior care services.
Dwyer Workforce Development collaborates with partner organizations that share its commitment to supporting economic opportunity, the healthcare workforce, and the quality of care for seniors.
Expansion and Impact
In 2024, Dwyer Workforce Development (DWD) expanded its operations into Kansas[5] through a partnership with Kansas WorkforceONE and the nonprofit advocacy organization Justice Matters. This collaboration launched a regional workforce development initiative aimed at mitigating the shortage of elder care workers. The program initially targeted Douglas County.[6]
In 2025, DWD organization announced plans to train and place more than 4,500 Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNAs) across its operational states within the year,[7] reinforcing its mission to reduce the healthcare staffing gap while enhancing the quality of care for aging populations.
Leadership
DWD's Chief Executive Officer, Barb Clapp was profiled in 2024 by The Daily Record [8] for her approach to workforce training, which combines healthcare education with comprehensive support services. DWD has served over 2,000 individuals, with 81% completing CNA training and 86% securing healthcare careers. The organization will assist an additional 3,515 Scholars, providing $3.6 million in comprehensive services
In May 2025, Barb Clapp, was appointed to the University of Maryland Medical System Board of Directors. Her selection reflects her contributions to healthcare workforce development and her efforts to address systemic labor shortages in the senior care sector.[9]
History
Dwyer Workforce Development (DWD) was founded in 2021 by Jack and Nancy Dwyer, along with their daughters, Emily Dwyer Dillon and Kelsey Dwyer Baker. The organization was created in response to the growing workforce shortage in the U.S. healthcare sector, particularly in long-term and senior care settings.
Jack Dwyer, a healthcare industry executive and the founder of Capital Funding Group and CFG Bank, launched DWD after seeing challenges faced by nursing professionals and the need for improved staffing in skilled nursing facilities, assisted living centers, and hospitals. Drawing on his background in healthcare finance, Dwyer worked to establish a nonprofit model that would remove barriers to employment for individuals entering the nursing field.
Following the sale of her public relations firm, Clapp Communications, Barb Clapp was appointed to lead DWD at the invitation of Jack Dwyer. Clapp had previously worked with Dwyer in a professional capacity and expressed interest in transitioning to nonprofit leadership. She became the organization's inaugural CEO.
Since its inception, DWD has expanded its operations across multiple states, serving thousands of participants—referred to as "Scholars"—through training, job placement, and career advancement services. The organization continues to focus on workforce development within the healthcare sector, with a growing emphasis on wraparound support services and long-term career pathways.
Partnership
Dwyer Workforce Development receives financial and in-kind support from a wide variety of corporations, non-profit organizations, and individual donors.
DWD also had partenterships with trainers and employers across its operational states. Trainers and employers include but are not limited to [Health Services|Lorien Health Services ], FutureCare,Keswick,Affordable Training , Brevard Nursing , Elite Nurse Aide Training ,
Articles on Dwyer's impact across the nation:
- CityBiz Baltimore reported on DWD’s expansion to additional states in 2025 to address healthcare staffing shortages. [10]
- Specturm News (Texas) featured a DWD Scholar who shared their personal journey and experience with DWD’s support services.[11]
- Florida Daily highlighted DWD’s first year of operations in Florida, noting the number of Scholars served in the state with over $405,000 in free training and essential support services. [12]
- DWD's 2024 impact report [13]
DWD has been profiled by national media, including MSNBC[14] and is listed on national nonprofit page.
Awards
2023
- The Daily Record Healthcare Heroes 2023 [15]
- Gulf Coast Region Apprenticeship Champion of the Year [16]
- Baltimore Business Journal Enterprising Women of Excellence
- I-95 Business, Women of Influence [17]
- Baltimore GameChangers 2023
2024
- Baltimore GameChangers 2024 [18]
- Healthcare Apprenticeship Partner from HCC College District
- Moxie [19]
- The Daily Record Empowering Women 2024 [20]
2025
- Healthcare Heroes 2025 [21]
- Baltimore Business Journal 2025 Power 10 [22]
- Wellsential for Best Nursing Homes in Newsweek 2025[23]
References
- ↑ Dwyer. "Nonprofit 501(3)(c)". Dwyer Workforce Development. Word Press. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
- ↑ "American City Business Journal". The Baltimore Business Journal. Retrieved 3 May 2025.
- ↑ "CFG Bank". CFG Bank. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
- ↑ "Local nonprofit works to provide healthcare training to undeserved communities". News Article. WMAR. ABC News. 8 June 2023. Retrieved 8 June 2023.
- ↑ Kansas Expansion.” Dwyer Workforce Development. https://dwyerworkforcedev.org
- ↑ Baltimore’s Dwyer Workforce Development Expands to Kansas to Tackle Healthcare Workforce Shortage.” CityBiz, 2024. https://www.citybiz.co/article/662327
- ↑ DWD to Train Over 4,500 CNAs and GNAs Nationwide in 2025.” Dwyer Workforce Development, 2025. https://dwyerworkforcedev.org/2025/05/dwyer-workforce-development-announces-plans
- ↑ Daily Record Staff. (2024, June 21). Barb Clapp. The Daily Record. Retrieved from https://thedailyrecord.com/2024/06/21/barb-clapp-2/
- ↑ Barb Clapp Named to University of Maryland Medical System Board.” Dwyer Workforce Development, 2025. https://dwyerworkforcedev.org/news
- ↑ Parker, Kevin (May 19, 2025). "Dwyer Workforce Development Expands Nationwide to Alleviate the Healthcare Staffing Crisis".
- ↑ "Free CNA course gets students career ready amid shortage of health care workers". News Article. Spectrum News. Spectrum News. 13 May 2025. Retrieved 13 May 2025.
- ↑ "Dwyer Workforce Development Announces Milestone Achievements in First Year Serving Florida". News Article. Florida Daily. Florida Daily. 15 May 2025. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
- ↑ Arianaangradi (7 April 2025). "DWD Impact Report 2024". dwyerworkforcedev.org. Retrieved June 3, 2025.
- ↑ "MSNBC News Website". MSNBC. Retrieved 3 June 2024.
- ↑ "Healthcare Heroes Award". The Daily Record (March 2023). March 2023. Retrieved March 20, 2023.
- ↑ "Gulf Coast Region Apprenticeship Summit 2023". Gcras Energy Conference. Retrieved November 15, 2023.
- ↑ Clapp, Barb (February 2023). "I95 Business, Women of Excellence" (PDF). I95 Business. Retrieved February 20, 2023.
- ↑ "The Daily Record". News, Award (March 2024). The Daily Record. March 2024.
- ↑ "Moxie Award". News, Award (2024). Moxie. Moxie. 2024.
- ↑ "Empowering Women 2024". News, Award. The Daily Record. The Daily Record. 2024.
- ↑ "Healthcare Heros". News, Award (April 2025). The Daily Record. The Daily Record. April 2025.
- ↑ "Power10". News, Award. Baltimore Business Journal. Baltimore Business Journal. Baltimore Business Journal. 2025.
- ↑ "Best Nursing Homes". News, Awards. Newsweek. Newsweek. 2025.
External links
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