Over the next few issues of O’odham Action News, we will be highlighting the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community’s four assistant community managers (ACM) as part of a new awareness campaign to spotlight ACM responsibilities and the government departments they each oversee. The idea is to allow the Community at large to get to know the ACMs better, both personally and professionally.

First up is Assistant Community Manager Lena Jackson, who oversees Senior Services, Health and Human Services, Social Services, the Defense Advocate and Human Resources.

Why did you become an ACM?

I wanted to help to create change on a larger scale to help bring quality services to our Community.

What is your main goal in the role?

My main goal is overseeing the departments that are assigned to me by being a support and a resource for the [department] leadership. I also assist with implementing and creating policies and with budget management and personnel matters. I enjoy working with Community members when they have an issue. It is also my goal to help promote and communicate with the directors the mission of the Tribal Council and their vision of the future of our Community. While it’s not the ACM’s duty or role to perform the day-to-day fieldwork, it is important that we set the tone and create awareness for directors and staff of what Council’s vision is for our Community.

What effort/project are you most proud of?

Revamping our child welfare division to better serve children and families. We created more programs to help families address concerns and implemented services that will help strengthen families so they don’t end up in the foster care system. We promoted being more family-centered, trauma-focused and strength-based. We made an effort to hire leaders and staff who believe in healing and strengthening families.

Another project that I’m proud of is the effort and dedication of the team who built and stood up the River People Health Center. While we are still working out the kinks and growing very fast, this project continues to be very important because good healthcare has such a huge impact. Our goal is to build quality care we can rely on. We know that good healthcare is essential for everyone, as it directly impacts the future of our Community, and we want to provide the care that will help build longer and healthier lives for the SRPMIC.

A third important project is the new Journey to Recovery program, which will be able to serve more people seeking treatment and recovery. We have come such a long way from our little detox unit, formerly known as the LARC, to today offering a wide array of services such as inpatient treatment, medically assisted treatment, sober living, a partial hospitalization program and many other behavioral health services to help support those seeking recovery. I’m really proud of the work they are doing to help support Community members looking for a better life. They are changing and saving lives.

Tell us about your family.

I’ve been married for almost 20 years. We have three adult children and I’m the proud grandma of two.

What are some of your hobbies?

My husband and I love to travel and explore new places. When we’re not traveling, we like to go to the movies. I’m also a crime podcast junkie and love to listen to a good audiobook.

What did you originally want to be when you grew up?

A teacher, when I was very young, and then as a teenager I wanted to work with at-risk youth in any capacity.