In its first full year of operations in Florida, Dwyer Workforce Development (DWD) supported nearly 450 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) students, delivering over $405,000 in free training and essential support services. The innovative national nonprofit—committed to addressing the nation’s healthcare workforce crisis—is empowering individuals through life-changing career pathways in healthcare.
The results, detailed in DWD’s newly released 2024 Florida Impact Report, underscore the success of its person-centered approach. By pairing healthcare training with holistic case management and wraparound services like transportation, childcare, and housing, DWD is not only increasing access but also improving retention and long-term career outcomes for participants across the state.
Dwyer Workforce Development launched its Florida operation by partnering with local workforce boards—and quickly expanded its reach. Today, the organization has partnerships with more than three dozen partners – from colleges and technical schools to nonprofit training providers, health care providers and more. Through these partnerships, DWD supports Scholars with tuition assistance, one-on-one case management, and vital wraparound services such as housing, childcare, food, and transportation.
After completing their CNA training, Scholars are placed into jobs with help from Dwyer case managers and then can pursue credentials and continued career advancement in the healthcare industry.
Impressively, 81% of Dwyer Scholars completed their CNA training program, and 86% of those who became certified and were placed in healthcare careers. These success rates are four times higher than the national average.
Other key highlights of DWD’s impact in Florida include:
• Economic Impact: The estimated annual earning potential for Florida Dwyer Scholars served in 2024 is $16.3MM, illustrating how DWD’s services contribute to a Scholar’s long-term success.
• Community Partnerships: DWD’s success is bolstered by strong partnerships with training, employer, and not-for-profit organizations.
“The success we have seen in Florida in just our first year is a testament to the power of partnership and collaboration toward a shared vision: providing career opportunities to the underserved and in doing so, addressing the healthcare staffing crisis that is so daunting in a state like Florida,” said DWD CEO Barb Clapp. “I am so proud of our work in 2024 and look forward to what we are already doing in 2025.”
A survey of 310 nursing homes and 23 assisted living facilities by the Florida Health Care Association found that 88% of long-term care facilities reported worsening workforce shortages since 2020. CNA positions have the highest vacancies, second only to housekeeping positions.
DWD now serves multiple regions in Florida, including the Tampa Bay Area, Sarasota, Brevard, Melbourne, Jacksonville, Marianna, and more. Since the start of 2025, DWD has trained more than 200 Scholars in Florida.
“Dwyer’s holistic and individualized approach leads to high certification and job placement rates for CNA Scholars, helping them overcome challenges and launch successful healthcare careers,” said Marci Murphy, Executive Director of CareerSource Brevard Flagler Volusia. “It’s this genuine support that makes Dwyer stand out, and it’s why our CNA students have thrived.”
For more information, to get involved, or to donate to support Dwyer Scholars’ journeys to life-changing careers, visit DwyerWorkForceDev.org
About Dwyer Workforce Development
Dwyer Workforce Development is a unique 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to provide comprehensive support to individuals who lack opportunity and aspire to pursue a career in the healthcare industry, alleviate a severe healthcare workforce shortage, and improve the lives of seniors and the community at large. Dwyer Workforce Development provides program participants – Dwyer Scholars – Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training, job placement support in healthcare facilities, need-based wraparound services, and person-centered case management to foster successful outcomes.
Founded in 2021 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Jack Dwyer and his family, DWD is redefining what it means to give back—creating career pathways, strengthening the healthcare workforce, and improving patient outcomes. Under the leadership of CEO Barb Clapp, handpicked by Dwyer for her visionary leadership and commitment to equity, the organization has grown rapidly from its Baltimore, Maryland headquarters, expanding its national reach to include Maryland, Texas, Florida, Kansas, Pennsylvania, and Delaware.
