FLORIDA
JUMPSTART Florida launched in November of 2024. JUMPSTART as an organization, however, has a proven process and programming which started back in 2008 in South Carolina. That is our model to follow. To help visitors to our Florida page understand “where we are headed” in FL, at times you will read about aspects of the JUMPSTART Program as it exists today in South Carolina.
The 40-week “inside” program you will read about is active in three sites. There are 73 major prisons in our state, so we have a massive opportunity to serve more people and break the back of recidivism. By contrast, the “outside” program you will read about will take time to develop and implement.
We share the same Mission, Vision, Values and Keys to Success as JUMPSTART in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia and Ohio.
We thank you for your support and prayers to help us transform the lives of men and women by growing JUMPSTART in Florida!
The Inside Program introduces the person of Jesus Christ to participants and helps them discover a greater purpose for their lives.
JUMPSTART Inside Program
God continues to open doors! We are in three prisons and we plan to be in six by the middle of 2027.
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Columbia Correctional Main in Lake City (2024)
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Columbia Correctional Annex in Lake City (2024)
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Central Florida Reception Center – East Unit in Orland (2025)
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Polk Correctional in Polk City (2027)
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TBD (2027)
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TBD (2027)
We continue to build our team of well-trained volunteers to facilitate classes and provide outside support.
You can read a more detailed description about the Discipleship Program here.
“God drew me to himself to hear His word with what He knows I love so much – the guitar. I know the absolute truth of His word and I was saved in 1997. I genuinely enjoy the opportunity to be a part of a program that is designed to help us discover God’s purpose for our lives as well as prepare us for reentry into society one day. There is no other program like JUMPSTART and it has been very helpful to many of us in a variety of ways.”
Rob Carter, Current Inmate
JUMPSTART Outside Program
The Outside Program provides a safe and stable environment for people in transition after incarceration. This Christ-centered program is in active development, working to provide services in the following areas over time.
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Low-cost, safe and stable housing through housing alliances. Some of these alliances provide:
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individual case management
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access to physical, mental, and dental healthcare
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recovery program for chemical dependency
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transportation to service providers, employment and shopping
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Support to help gain permanent and meaningful employment at a living wage
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Financial stability training
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Individual mentoring
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Community engagement
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Healthy recreational activities
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Spiritual growth opportunities
“Through JUMPSTART, I found my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I became a JumpStart leader on the inside of prison and now I am the beneficiary of their housing and outside ministries. God is working on the inside and outside of our prisons.“
JD, Former Inmate
JUMPSTART Results
As we develop the Outside Program, our graduates will be given the opportunity for:
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Gainful employment in positions that pay a living wage a have growth potential
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Living in stable housing
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Membership in a local church
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Utilizing sound financial principles to live within their means and meet their obligations
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Having a healthy support network, and become leaders within their communities
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Living surrendered lives to Jesus Christ
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Living out God's purpose for their life
“I want to exist in life, I’ve been just existing. I want to live…Coming through JUMPSTART gave me an opportunity at life.”
Willie, JUMPSTART Participant
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