Jelly Roll breaks ground

Jelly Roll, the country star born Jason Bradley DeFord, is spearheading efforts to transform the lives of troubled youth in Nashville through the establishment of the new Youth Campus for Empowerment. On August 8, he participated in the groundbreaking ceremony for this 14-acre facility, which aims to create a nurturing environment for young people rather than a punitive one, reflecting his own experiences of incarceration at the old Davidson County Juvenile Justice Center. The new campus will include family resources, a 24-hour crisis center, and spaces for court and meetings, with completion expected by 2027. Jelly Roll emphasized the importance of rehabilitating youth, stating, "Get rid of stuff that makes you feel like a caged animal," and highlighting how many of these kids are victims of their circumstances. His commitment to supporting youth also includes previous initiatives, such as co-funding a music studio at the Nashville Juvenile Detention Center. Jelly Roll's background and personal journey fuel his passion for this cause, as he aims to ensure that future generations have a better chance at life.