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ReDirect Youth Outreach will transform 250 Bell Street to Serve Local Youth

RENO, Nev. (November 7, 2024)— Jacobs Entertainment continues to invest in redevelopment efforts in the area surrounding J Resort’s Reno Neon Line by supporting local nonprofit ReDirect Youth Outreach for the creation of a new youth engagement center. Jacobs Entertainment is providing 21,407 square feet of space at 250 Bell Street, which ReDirect Youth Outreach will transform into a new one-stop community space for youth to access athletic programming and other resources. Jacobs Entertainment will continue to own the building but will provide the space at below-market rent to the nonprofit under a new five-year lease; the new facility will be called ReDirect Athletics.

“I want this building to be a thriving community space where families, youth, and the entire community feel welcome, and safe and can enjoy entertainment and activities that improve their lives,” said Jeff Jacobs, CEO of Jacobs Entertainment and J Resort. “I’m inspired by ReDirect’s mission and their proven commitment to Reno’s youth; they’re a perfect organization to utilize this space right now as J Resort’s Reno Neon Line continues to evolve over time.”

The availability of this space will allow ReDirect Youth Outreach to expand its services, transforming an underutilized building into a community hub where young people can find not only athletic training but also essential mental health and wellness resources. The nonprofit plans to provide mental health resources, access to nutritious food, a hygiene station, and a clothing closet, among other resources in the future. ReDirect Youth Outreach has helped hundreds of local youth since its founding in 2018, offering a safe, supportive environment where they can engage in sports including wrestling, boxing, weightlifting, and speed training.

As the long-term vision for 250 Bell Street and J Resort’s Reno Neon Line is developed and finalized, ReDirect Youth Outreach can deliver meaningful support to Reno’s youth in the coming years at this location. Jeff Jacobs and Jacobs Family Foundation for Children have also pledged $250,000 in funding to help ReDirect Youth Outreach secure a permanent home in the future.

“We’re deeply grateful to Jeff Jacobs, Jacobs Entertainment, and the Jacobs Family Foundation for Children for their support of our mission and pursuing community-driven redevelopment efforts by supporting a local organization like ours,” said Tisha LaGrone, executive director at ReDirect Youth Outreach. “Our vision is to create a community where youth feel safe, supported, and inspired to achieve their full potential. We believe that by integrating athletics with essential resources, we can foster holistic development that nurtures both the mind and body.”

 

Jeff Jacobs and Jacobs Entertainment continue to invest in transforming J Resort’s Reno Neon Line, including more than $400 million in upgrades to J Resort, as well as new housing at the Renova Flats and the 65-unit 245 North Arlington, scheduled to open in March 2025.

 

The space at 250 Bell Street will undergo extensive renovations, including the demolition of interior walls to create an open area where young people can train and connect. The goal is to have the facility, which will be called ReDirect Athletics, fully operational by January 1, 2025. Jacobs Entertainment is committed to supporting ReDirect Youth Outreach in fulfilling its mission now and in the future.

 

Several local contractors are supporting the project, including Tuttle Built Inc. for demolition and Summit Line Construction for electrical work. NGC Drywall and Painting and Modern Structures, both owned by Fernando Valdes, have provided drywall, painting, demolition, bathroom tile, and ceiling tile repair. Haws Corporation has generously provided refrigerated water fill stations for the new facility; Vision Design Painting has also provided significant support to improve the space.

ReDirect Youth Outreach is asking the community to contribute to this transformative project. Volunteers, resources, and monetary donations are needed to help fund youth scholarships, purchase program equipment, and cover costs for HVAC repairs, cleaning supplies, and other necessities.

ReDirect Youth Outreach will host its annual fundraising gala, Fights Under the Christmas Lights, on December 14, 2024 at ReDirect Athletics on 250 Bell Street. This event will feature live boxing demonstrations and funds raised will support the renovation of the building.

For more information on how to get involved or to donate, visit www.redirectathletics.com.

For more about J Resort, visit https://www.jresortreno.com/.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Kathryn Stratz
650.868.3991
kathryn@theabbiagency.com