The Jacksonville Bridge Work Release

Director: Jeffrey D. Wainwright

Jeffrey D. Wainwright has extensive experience and over twenty nine years of service with the Florida Department of Corrections. Mr. Wainwright joined the Bridges of America team after retiring from his position as Warden. He is currently serving as the Facility Director of the Jacksonville Bridge.

Mr. Wainwright began his career as a Correctional Officer in 1980 and was promoted through the ranks as a Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain, Major, Colonel, Assistant Warden, Warden, and Acting Regional Director. Jeffrey has managed Reception Centers, Youthful Offenders, Female Facilities, Close Management, Maximum Management, and Death Row.

Mr. Wainwright holds numerous Training Certificates that include Emergency Management, Riot and Disorder, Evacuations, Special Weapons and Tactics, Correctional Emergency Response Team, Explosives in a Correctional Setting, Natural Disasters, Environmental Health and Safety, and Firefighting. He is also a Certified Instructor in the areas of Instructor Techniques, Firearms, Self-Defense, Special Munitions and Chemical Agents. Mr. Wainwright has been a member of the Florida Council on Crime and Delinquency, Northern American Association of Wardens and Superintendents, Corrections Foundation, Correctional Peace Officers Foundation, and the Florida Police Benevolent Association.

Mr. Wainwright began his second career with Bridges of America in August 2009 as an Assistant Director at the Orlando Bridge. He was then promoted to Acting Facility Director at the Turning Point Bridge in Pompano Beach, Florida. In December 2010 he was promoted to Facility Director of the Orlando Bridge and in June 2011 he began leading the Jacksonville Bridge as Facility Director.

The belief that “a man can change” drives Mr. Wainwright’s leadership on a daily basis and he promotes this attitude to all his Staff. He also believes that "walking the beat" is the proper management style and always strives for excellence as a servant leader.

Site Description

The Jacksonville Bridge opened its doors in August 2005. Originally the site housed 100 adult, male offenders with counseling for substance abuse/dependency issues. The Jacksonville Bridge is located in Duval County and receives inmates from all over the state of Florida. The site is located on approximately 3.5 acres in Duval County. In June 2008 The Jacksonville Bridge added an additional 40 adult beds to our population, bringing the total to 140. The Jacksonville Bridge has optimistic plans to increase in size in the near future.

The Jacksonville Bridge currently has 22.5 approved positions which include The Facility Director, an Assistant Operations Facility Director, an Assistant Clinical Facility Director, an Office Administrator, two Employment Specialists, two Counselors, an Operations Supervisor, a Transportation Technician and 12.5 Operations Technicians.

Value Added Services

• AA/NA Meetings
• ACT (Advanced Career Training)
• Employment Assistance/Counseling
• Family Home Furloughs
• GED Training
• Job Placement Training
• On-Site Annual Employer Job Fairs
• Re-Establish Family and Community Ties
• Ready 4 Work Program
• Substance Abuse Counseling
• Work Source Program through The Jacksonville Urban League
• Worship Services

Community Services

• Adopt-A-Highway
• Child Support Collections
• Community service provided to local parks
• Court Cost Collections
• Family Support Collections
• Restitution Collections

Achievements

• The Jacksonville Bridge recently received a 100% on its bi-annual audit from the Department of Corrections and 99% on its annual audit from The Department of Children and Families.
• The Jacksonville Bridge coordinates with The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office to communicate a focused deterrence message to a targeted group of high-risk offenders; this initiative is held several times throughout the year with the intent of making offenders think twice about committing a gun crime.
• The Jacksonville Bridge has a relationship with The Men’s Warehouse, who provides gently used suits, dress shirts, dress pants and ties to our clients in need during their annual suit drive.
• The Jacksonville Bridge holds Family Day Events throughout the year; these events are always successful and promote family bonding.
• Recipient of a Wal-Mart Community Grant
• Member of The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce