From bright lights to headlights.
Former St. John’s standout and NBA star Jason Williams is now leading a program in Nassau County aimed at assisting formerly incarcerated individuals in becoming truck drivers. This initiative has helped transform nearly a dozen lives.
“When I got my diploma, I almost cried… I worked so hard for this day,” shared 39-year-old Timmy Jones during the graduation ceremony at Nassau Community College on Monday.
Jones, who served over 15 years for manslaughter, was part of the inaugural Long Island class in this program.
“It makes a lot of sense because there are families that don’t give them another chance after they come back from prison,” he noted.
The eight-week program was inspired by Williams, who faced his own challenges after accidentally shooting a limousine driver, leading to a 27-month incarceration.
Williams, once known for his intense play on the basketball court, now dedicates himself to this new mission.
“I’m here seven days a week—at least. Sundays can be about 10 hours, while other days are around 13 or 14,” he explained, emphasizing his commitment to helping others since his release.
“I love it. You can really see the difference it makes… and we’ve produced some great results.”
Full speed ahead
Besides teaching the practical skills needed for truck driving, Williams also focuses on instilling life lessons and fostering mental well-being in his students.
He’s quite serious about building community; those who don’t greet classmates with a “good morning” are sent home. He’s even incorporated boxing gloves as a “suggestion box” for voicing complaints, promoting open communication in different ways.
Williams encouragingly pushes students to face their fears, offering activities like jet skiing, prayer, and even skydiving.
“I was really excited about it because I wanted to skydive outside of the program,” remarked Craylone Garner, who recently achieved positive changes in his life. “It gives you something more for yourself.”
Jones echoed this sentiment, grateful for the trust Williams placed in them.
“We’ve been here through the whole program, from start to finish,” he said, highlighting the camaraderie they’ve built while caring for a vegetable garden on campus.
Garner, who has a history of violent crime, described how the garden has become a form of therapy for him, nurturing both plants and personal growth.
“The garden really teaches you the value of life through growth. As you learn more and contribute positively, you become a better person,” he explained, describing it as “almost like a home away from home.”
Williams is keen on ensuring his students pursue meaningful changes in their lives.
“It only works with the right energy,” he asserted, reflecting on past experiences with less fruitful programs.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman recognized the potential impact of the program when Williams initially proposed it a few months back.
“We believe in law and order. But locking people up isn’t the only solution,” Blakeman stated. “We need to help people rebuild their lives and become productive citizens.”
The county initially invested $1 million in the program and recently allocated an additional $300,000 due to its success, as demonstrated by the first graduation.
“In the long run, this makes us safer because these individuals are less likely to revert to crime,” Blakeman added. “It also provides them with hope.”
This initiative has brought Williams’s aspirations to life, fulfilling a different kind of calling for him.
“If St. John’s called me to coach, I’d say no. I want to help people rather than just rack up more wins,” he concluded.
