The DIP-IN team is excited to introduce Lane Jackson, a new member of the Neighborhood Community Health Worker team, working in the Near Northwest area.
Lane joins a dynamic Near Northwest (NNW) team as a part-time Neighborhood CHW, alongside her NNW Neighborhood CHW counterpart, Marché Sherlock; Project Manager, Ron Rice; and the NNW Steering Committee.
In addition to her part-time work as a Neighborhood CHW, Lane works as a Veteran’s Service Officer (VSO) with the City of Indianapolis, assisting veterans with navigating benefits, services, and resources.
As Lane joins the team, we wanted to ask her a few questions about her past work in the community and what excites her about working with DIP-IN in the coming months. Welcome, Lane!
What drew you to DIP-IN?
Just over five years ago, I was 354 pounds, prediabetic, and struggling with my health. Changing my eating habits, becoming active, and learning how to take care of myself changed my life. I lost my little sister—5'2" and over 500 pounds—before there were programs like DIP-IN. If I can help someone else make the kind of positive changes that saved my life, that means everything to me.
In addition to this role, you are also a Veteran Service Officer for the City of Indianapolis. What do you do in that role and how are you taking insights and lessons learned from that role into working as a DIP-IN CHW?
As a Veteran Service Officer, I help veterans get connected to the benefits, healthcare, and resources they’ve earned. That work taught me how to listen, advocate, and meet people where they are—all skills that carry over into my work with DIP-IN.
What is your background in working with Indianapolis or other communities?
I’ve spent years working hands-on in the community—advocating for veterans, fighting homelessness, and building connections that matter. I believe in showing up and making every interaction count.
What are you looking forward to in the coming months of DIP-IN?
I’m excited to keep making connections—those moments when someone realizes their life just shifted for the better. That look on their face is what fuels me.
When you are not working, what are you up to?
I’m a wife, mom, sister, and karaoke lover. I spend time with my family and my spoiled dog Izzy (“Hollywood”), and I’m always finding new ways to bring people together.