Turning Lives Around: Jayson Williams’ Transformative Trucking Program

From the bright lights of the basketball court to the headlights of big rigs, former NBA star Jayson Williams is making a profound impact in Nassau County. His innovative rehabilitation program, Rebound on the Road, is helping formerly incarcerated men and women earn their trucking licenses, providing them a fresh start and a pathway to sustainable employment.

A Journey of Redemption

The inaugural graduation ceremony at Nassau Community College on August 11, 2025, marked a significant milestone for the program. Timmy Jones, a 39-year-old graduate who spent over 15 years in prison for manslaughter, expressed his emotions about reaching this milestone:

“When I was up there getting the diploma, man, I almost cried. I worked hard for this day.”

Such sentiments resonate deeply with many participants, highlighting the importance of second chances in life.

The Vision Behind Rebound on the Road

Jayson Williams, who served 27 months in prison following a tragic incident in 2002, has channeled his energy and experiences into this transformative initiative. Committed to making a difference, Williams dedicates long hours to the program:

• Weekly Commitment: Williams is present at least seven days a week, often working 13 to 14 hours a day.
• Hands-On Approach: He emphasizes not only driving skills but essential life lessons, mental health, and community building.

Skills Beyond the Wheel

The eight-week curriculum is not solely focused on obtaining a trucking license; it aims to facilitate personal growth and teach valuable life skills. Here are some core components of the program:

• Morning Greetings: Participants must greet each other daily, promoting a sense of community.
• "Suggestion Box": Boxing gloves are used as a tool for venting frustrations, allowing individuals to tackle their grievances constructively.
• Unique Activities: From jet skiing to skydiving, participants are encouraged to step outside their comfort zones.

Recent grad Clayrone Garner shared his excitement about future skydiving opportunities, revealing how such activities provide motivation for personal improvement:

“It gives you something more to work towards.”

Cultivating Growth: The Program’s Garden

The Rebound on the Road initiative includes a community garden where participants grow vegetables like watermelon and squash. This garden is more than just a source of food; it acts as a metaphor for personal development and resilience. Garner stated:

“The garden teaches you life’s value a little bit more from growth … the more good things you put into the atmosphere, the better off you are.”

Community and Support

The program promotes a strong sense of unity among participants. Jones emphasized the hard work and camaraderie that has developed since the start of the program:

“We’ve been out here going hard from sunup to sundown since the program opened.”

In addition, they bond over barbecues and maintain the veggie garden, fostering a nurturing environment.

Support from Local Leadership

Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman expressed confidence in the initiative’s potential to reshape lives:

"Just putting people in jail is not the sole solution to the problems … We have to get people to reinvent their lives in a productive way."

Following the success of the initial graduating class, Nassau County initially invested $1 million and recently pledged an additional $300,000 to support the program.

Conclusion: A New Chapter

The success of Rebound on the Road is a testament to its participants’ commitment to change. For Jayson Williams, the joy derived from empowerment and support transcends the basketball court:

“If St. John’s called me up and asked me to coach, I would say no. I want to be helping people with their lives, not score more points.”

This groundbreaking program not only aids in reducing recidivism rates but also instills hope for future opportunities, proving that with the right support, anyone can turn their life around.

For more insights into rehabilitation initiatives, consider exploring resources provided by the National Institute of Justice or The Vera Institute of Justice, both emphasizing the importance of second chances and effective rehabilitation programs.