Community Leaders

Jeffrey Bond

Jeffrey Bond is a native Philadelphian, who is choosing to make a difference in society after incarceration. Mr. Bond says he "hit the road running toward community service" after release from prison. Where once he was a problem for the community, he is now a community leader.

Jeffrey's work in community service started with a neighborhood tennis program. In high school Jeffrey belonged to the National Junior Tennis League (NJTL) and had the opportunity to volley with Jimmy Connors and Pancho Gonzalez, two world class tennis players. Volleying with Pancho Gonzalez, Jeffrey chased the ball all over the court, which Pancho Gonzalez alternately lobed or made drop shots over the net. Pancho Gonzalez said Jeffrey's power was good, but he needed to take control of the game. Jeffrey wants to give that power and control of the game to kids in the neighborhood.

Jeffrey conducts tennis programs, after-school tennis, and educational programs for local organizations as well as for the local park (Stenton Park). Children now have choice to participate in sports. His tennis program is called Bringing Fun Back to the Hood and the children affectionately call him Mr. Jeffrey.

Jeffrey has a passionate commitment to helping ex-offenders stay free. He co-facilitates Freedom by Design in a Community Correction Center in Philadelphia. He is a powerful public speaker, speaking at schools and organizations about designing a life of freedom. He was also invited to participate in a workshop about helping inmates stay free after release at the very prison where he was incarcerated. "I graciously accepted the offer to return to share my knowledge and insights to let the men know that we can make it on the outside if we choose to. What makes this experience so exceptional is that I was requested back into the prison not by the staff, but by the men incarcerated there. And the staff honored their request."