Dawson Civic Leadership Institute

We are proud to highlight our partnership with Baby TALK Decatur Area Programs through our monthly Level Up Lunch sessions.
Over the past few months, these lunches have created space for young women to come together, connect, and have important conversations about confidence, goal-setting, planning for the future, and taking the next steps toward becoming the best version of themselves.
We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of this work and to support programs that encourage growth, connection, and opportunity in our community.
Level Up Lunches 💛

This week, we proudly celebrate the dedicated Certified Nursing Assistants who make a difference every day through their compassion, patience, and commitment to caring for others.

CNAs are often the first to provide comfort, encouragement, and hands-on care to those who need it most. Their work changes lives and strengthens our communities.

At DCLI, we believe education creates opportunities and opens doors to impactful careers. We are proud to support students pursuing careers in healthcare and grateful for the CNAs who inspire the next generation of caregivers.

Happy CNA Week from all of us at DCLI! 💙

So proud of our DCLI Residential C&A’s for sharing their passion for healthcare and their experiences on Thee Morris Code with Dr. Juanita Morris and Dr. Jeremy Morris!

Take a moment to listen and support these amazing young ladies! 💙🩺

LISTEN: DCLI Residential C&A’s on Thee Morris Code June 10, 2026- Residential C&A's joined co-hosts, Dr. Juanita Morris & Dr. Jeremy Morris on Thee Morri...

Our Residential CNA Cohort 1 participants moved in yesterday and wasted no time jumping right in with meal planning and grocery shopping! 🩺

Now they’re heading into their first day of class and officially beginning their CNA journey.

Here’s to an incredible 4 weeks ahead filled with growth, learning, hard work, and success. We are so proud of this group and can’t wait to cheer them on every step of the way!

The Lodge Open House was a tremendous success!
We welcomed a full house and were so excited to share this beautiful new space with our community. The energy throughout the event was incredible, and we are grateful for everyone who stopped by, toured the space, and celebrated with us.
The Lodge was created to support growth, connection, and opportunity, and it was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the space and sharing such positive feedback.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the day so special. We look forward to all the memories, connections, and opportunities that will be created here in the future.

Week One of the DCLI Public Safety Internship Program is underway!
We are kicking off the summer with an exciting first week of learning, exploration, and hands-on experiences. Interns had the opportunity to connect with public safety professionals, tour training spaces, experience the VirTra simulation system, and learn more about the skills, teamwork, and leadership needed in the field.
This program gives students a firsthand look at public safety careers while helping them build confidence, ask questions, and see what it takes to serve and protect a community.
This is just the beginning of a summer filled with growth, learning, and unforgettable experiences.
Stay tuned as we continue to highlight our interns’ journey!

Happening today!

Come see our new DCLI Healthcare Programs space at DMH and learn more about our Residential CNA Program.

Stop by to tour the space, ask questions, and sign up for information about future CNA class opportunities.

Dr. Juanita Morris will also be doing a live remote during the open house, so come by, say hello, and be part of the celebration!

DCLI Residential CNA Program Open House
Today, Wednesday, June 3
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
2254 N. Union St., Decatur, IL

We hope to see you there!

Congratulations to our DCLI graduates!

The DCLI College Scholars Scholarship application is now open for current DCLI graduates who are planning to attend a public college or university in Illinois this fall.

This scholarship uses a last-dollar model, meaning it is designed to help cover remaining costs for tuition, books, and fees after grants and other scholarships have been applied.

Applications are due by July 1.

Students will need to upload official digital PDF documents, including their 2026-2027 FAFSA Student Aid Report and proof of fall enrollment or acceptance.

Apply here: https://tinyurl.com/3mat3hnp

Questions? Please contact Ms. Desirée at [email protected].

We are so proud of our graduates and excited to support them as they take this next step into college!

Dr. Juanita Morris joined Byers & Co. to talk about DCLI programming, our partnership with DMH, and the new Ag Center.

We are excited to invite the community to come see our new DCLI Healthcare Programs space at DMH!

DCLI Residential CNA Program Open House
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
2254 N. Union St.
Decatur, IL 62526

Stop by to tour the space, learn more about future CNA class opportunities, and say hello while Dr. Morris does a live remote during the open house.

We hope to see you there!

Dr. Juanita Morris - June 1, 2026 - Byers & Co. Interviews June 1, 2026 - Dr. Juanita Morris joined Byers & Co to talk about DCLI programming, their partnership with DMH, and the ag center. Listen to the podcast now!

Come see our new DCLI Healthcare Programs space at DMH!

We are excited to welcome students, families, and the community to stop by, tour the space, and learn more about our Residential CNA Program.

This open house is for anyone who wants to see the new space, ask questions, and learn more about future CNA class opportunities. If you or someone you know may be interested in upcoming CNA classes, we will have a sign-up sheet available at the open house.

Dr. Juanita Morris will also be doing a live remote during the open house, so stop by, say hello, and be part of the celebration.

DCLI Residential CNA Program Open House
Wednesday, June 3, 2026
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
2254 N. Union St., Decatur, IL

Stop by, take a look around, and help us celebrate this exciting new space for DCLI Healthcare Programs.