In March 2022, we lost an important member of the Civic Works family.  Dion Wright was our Deputy Executive Director. He has been an instrumental part of Civic Works since 1995, a lifelong advocate for Baltimore’s youth, a proud father, and a friend to so many.

Dion joined Civic Works as a Corpsmember Development Director and spent the next 26 years shaping Civic Works into the organization we are today.  Dion was passionate about education and job training for young adults.  He led our YouthBuild and AmeriCorps programs, which have provided service and job training opportunities for 4,740 Baltimore residents.  He helped found the REACH! Partnership School and served as its Executive Director.  Dion established the school’s focus on career certifications and early college enrollment for students.  He felt strongly that all high school students should graduate with viable career options and exposure to college, an ethic that continues to guide our programming at REACH! Partnership.

Dion was a mentor to countless staff and AmeriCorps members.  He was always willing to share his experiences and spread laughter.  His steady leadership allowed Civic Works to grow and improve.  His deep understanding of the struggles our participants and communities face guided many of our decisions.  Dion believed in the work he was doing and supported every person who came through Civic Works in reaching their potential.

We have established The Dion Wright Memorial Fund, which will support Civic Works corpsmembers as they take their next steps.