The Jackson Family’s Story
“Our family is going through a lot—Marcus is recovering from an injury, Jayden’s getting ready for college, and I’m having another baby. It’s not easy, but we lean on each other. That’s what keeps us strong.” — Nichelle Jackson, 37
In the Jackson’s kitchen, the smell of spices fills the air as Marcus and Evelyn work side by side preparing dinner.
For Marcus, 37, cooking has been a way to reconnect with his past and the comfort he finds in feeding his family now. He stirs the pot, trying to shift his thoughts to his baby on the way, not his upcoming surgery or the frustration of being out of work.
Marcus’ mother-in-law, Evelyn, 69, chops vegetables carefully. Her hands have weakened over the years, but she’s still an amazing cook. Cooking keeps her connected with her Haitian roots—a piece of home in every bite. Recently widowed, she is trying to manage her health issues despite her limited English and lower health literacy.
Nichelle, 37, sets the table. As Evelyn’s daughter and Marcus’ wife, she carries the weight of being the sole earner while navigating a high-risk pregnancy. She’s grateful for these moments of togetherness but hopes the future is less stressful.
Nearby, Nichelle and Marcus’ son, Jayden, 17, is doing homework. His thoughts drift between preparing for college and worrying about who will care for his grandma when he’s away. He knows the pressure his parents are under, and he feels it too.
As they sit together, the food in front of them represents more than a meal—it’s a reminder of their care for one another.
Note: The Jackson family’s story is a work of fiction. Their experiences represent circumstances real Hoosiers face every day.
About the Jackson Family
Nichelle was born to Haitian immigrant parents in Indiana, and is the eldest of two. She is a resourceful DIY enthusiast who loves thrifting and crafting home décor to fit her creative vision. This newly pregnant mom is proud of her 17-year-old firstborn and is grateful for the support of her family.
Marcus grew up in a large, lively family in Detroit and looks forward to the annual family reunion. This devoted family man enjoys spending time with his loved ones—whether it’s watching cooking shows with Evelyn, playing basketball with Jayden, or helping Nichelle with her projects. While recovering from his work injury, he’s working on small projects for the baby’s nursery.
Jayden is a high-achieving student enrolled in AP/honors classes, excelling in academics and robotics. Athletic and social, he plays varsity basketball and runs cross country. He enjoys watching anime, reading superhero comics, and hopes to visit Japan someday. He hopes to attend Purdue to study aeronautical engineering but worries about his family.
Evelyn is a recent widow who moved in with her daughter’s family. She loves spending extra time with them, but worries she is a burden to them. A hard-working immigrant from Haiti, she loves to cook, knit, volunteer at church, and walk in the neighborhood with her grandson.
Overview
Nichelle
- Demographics: 37 years old, female, Black, Haitian descent
- Health: 3 months pregnant, high-risk pregnancy
- Education: Bachelor of social work, wants master’s to become a licensed therapist
- Employment: Social worker
- Income: $40,000
- Transportation: SUV that is paid off
Marcus
- Demographics: 37 years old, male, Black
- Health: needs surgery for a recent injury
- Education: High school diploma
- Employment: Contractor in construction, currently unemployed
- Income: No income while unemployed
- Transportation: Truck, some payments left, also used for work
Jayden
- Demographics: 17 years old, male, Black
- Health: physically active and healthy
- Education: Junior in high school
- Employment: None
- Income: None
- Transportation: borrows parents’ car
Evelyn
- Demographics: 69 years old, female, Haitian African
- Housing: lives with her daughter
- Health: mobility issues, arthritis
- Education: less than high school
- Employment: retired, hotel housekeeping
- Income: fixed income, Social Security
- Transportation: no license, can’t drive
Nichelle’s Story
The unequal division of household labor, particularly the cognitive tasks of planning and managing a home, disproportionately falls on women. It is linked to increased stress, burnout, and reduced mental health.
Nichelle never expected to be pregnant again, especially 17 years after having Jayden. Now navigating a high-risk pregnancy at 37, stories about the risks Black women face during pregnancy haunt her thoughts.
When Jayden was born, Nichelle’s mother, Evelyn, cared for him so Nichelle could finish her social work degree. With her mom living under the same roof again, Nichelle will have her support again as they prepare for this unexpected chapter.
Still, Nichelle feels pressure. With her husband’s upcoming surgery, her mother’s growing health concerns, and her son’s imminent departure to college, Nichelle feels the weight of managing everyone’s well-being.
Learn About Nichelle
Economic Stability
Nichelle married Marcus at 19—shortly after discovering she was pregnant with their first child, Jayden. They moved in with Nichelle’s parents to save money and get help with the baby. Jayden was born at the beginning of Nichelle’s junior year at the University of Southern Indiana, and because of her parents’ support, she graduated on time.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Social Work degree, she worked as a nonprofit case manager. With Marcus’ income from contracts and after years of saving, the couple bought a four-bedroom single-family home.
Now, unexpectedly pregnant again at 37 and the sole earner due to her husband’s injury, Nichelle worries about making mortgage payments. Nichelle works long hours as a hospital social worker, but it isn’t enough to get by, so they are dipping into their emergency savings.
They may be eligible for child care assistance after the baby’s birth, but with a shortage in her area, Nichelle fears she’ll have to rely on her mother, Evelyn, who has mobility issues, for help. Despite these challenges, Nichelle’s familiarity with public support programs offers her some hope for staying afloat.
Education Access and Quality
Educational attainment is one of the strongest predictors of health. Adults with higher attainment tend to have higher health literacy, ability to find and seek appropriate health care and be open to health-promoting behaviors.
Nichelle’s parents always stressed the value of education, and now she’s passing that lesson on to her son. Thanks to scholarships and financial aid, Nichelle graduated with her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Southern Indiana with minimal debt.
“I was lucky,” Nichelle said. “Thanks to my parents’ help, I graduated owing less than $5,000, and Marcus and I paid it off in less than five years.”
Eventually, Nichelle wants to pursue a Master’s in Social Work to become a licensed therapist, but financial pressures and her pregnancy are delaying that goal. For now, she’s making sure her children have the same opportunities she had, even if her dreams are on hold.
Health Care Access and Quality
47% of U.S. workers participated in an employer-sponsored medical plan in 2022.
Nichelle has employer-based health insurance with high deductibles covering her husband and son, but she feels the pressure as the sole provider. “I can’t leave my job because we need the insurance,” she said, “but with a high-risk pregnancy, I worry about needing more recovery time than the six weeks of paid leave I get.”
She’s been saving her vacation and sick days, although frequent doctor visits make that challenging.
Stress weighs heavily on Nichelle, from finances to her family’s health. Her mother’s recent diabetes diagnosis has Nichelle focused on improving her diet, especially since she had gestational diabetes with Jayden.
Nichelle’s biggest concern has been finding the proper care. “I’ve been looking for a Black OB/GYN,” she said, “but I haven’t found one in my network yet. I’d love a doula, too, but I’m not sure we can afford it.” She hopes Medicaid might cover additional care.
Neighborhood and Built Environment
Nichelle loves her diverse, middle-class Evansville neighborhood. “It’s safe, and I love being near the Haitian community.” While she usually drives to get around, she enjoys walking to parks nearby.
“I’m excited for Mommy and Me classes at the park with the new baby,” she said. “I wasn’t able to do that with Jayden.” Her home has space she needs for her DIY projects, something she didn’t have when living with her parents.
Social and Community Context
60% of children of immigrants have at least one parent with limited English proficiency.
Nichelle’s connection to her community runs deep. Living near a Haitian enclave in Evansville helps her stay close to her roots. Her childhood best friend lives there, too, and provides invaluable support.
With her sister in Chicago, Nichelle feels the weight of caregiving for their mother, Evelyn, especially after her father passed. “It’s my honor to care for her now, just like she supported Marcus and me when we needed her most,” Nichelle said.
Growing up in an immigrant household, she helped her mother with tasks requiring translation, and that experience taught her resilience and resourcefulness.
Indiana has the third-highest maternal mortality rate in the country. Black women are disproportionately affected due to access to care and broad systemic and structural racism
Marcus’ Story
Marcus never imagined a work injury would sideline him for so long. Used to being active, he’s struggled with the frustration of being unable to work. The downtime has taken a toll on his mental health.
A proud father, he’s dreaming big for Jayden as he prepares for college and is thrilled about the baby on the way. “Jayden’s going to be a great big brother,” he said. He’s planning some nursery projects while he recovers.
For Marcus, family is everything, and he makes sure to stay connected with them even on tough days. As he heals, Marcus knows his priority is being there for them, ready to tackle whatever comes next.
Learn About Marcus
Economic Stability
Homeownership is often seen as a wealth-building tool. The most significant asset for many American homeowners is the equity in their homes—the difference between the home’s value and the mortgage owed.
Marcus grew up in a household experiencing severe rent burden, similar to 76% of extremely low-income renter households in Indiana. When a household spends more than 30% of its income, it’s considered rent-burdened. Over 50% of household income on housing is severely rent-burdened.
Marcus’ family experienced poverty, with most of his parents’ income going toward housing. Nutritious food was not always available, although his family received resources like free school lunches, SNAP, and WIC.
“We were food insecure for years,” Marcus said. “It’s something I wouldn’t wish on anyone.” Things improved when his family moved to Indiana before he went to high school, and Marcus found a love for cooking as he explored new foods they could finally afford.
After graduation, Marcus joined a construction company, and the job led him to reconnect with his high school classmate, Nichelle.
They began dating and became inseparable. Not soon after, Jayden was born and they moved in with her parents to get help caring for him.
Marcus worked two jobs and eventually he and Nichelle were able to buy a house. He started his own contracting business, which was thriving until a recent work injury that requires surgery.
“I’ve been out of work for two months,” he said. “It hurts to dip into savings to get by.” Eventually, he hopes to continue scaling his business and hire an employee or two.
Education Access and Quality
Socioeconomic status significantly predicts a child’s success in education. Underfunded schools in low-income areas lack resources, and children from low-income households often develop academic skills more slowly than wealthier students.
Marcus struggled in the under-resourced public school in Detroit, where he grew up. “I always felt behind,” he said. His parents were always working and couldn’t help with his schoolwork. Marcus found inspiration in his father, a skilled carpenter.
After graduating from a high school in Indiana, he joined the construction field. “I love the work, but it’s hard on my body,” he said. Now, as he recovers from an injury, he’s considering certifications to boost his income once the baby arrives.
Each level of educational attainment lowers the risk of unemployment and boosts job options. The average person with a bachelor’s degree earns twice as much as someone without.
“I want Jayden to have a different path,” he said. “I tell him to focus on school so he doesn’t have to work as physically hard as I do.”
Health Care Access and Quality
Marcus has always prided himself on staying active and healthy, but his recent injury has been a wake-up call. The surgery and physical therapy will take three to five months, and the inactivity has caused him to gain weight and stress-eat.
“I want to recover quickly so I can be there for Nichelle,” he said. Lately, Marcus has struggled with anxiety and depression from being unemployed. “I grew up hearing men should always provide for their family, and now—I can’t.”
Nichelle has encouraged him to seek counseling, but Marcus is hesitant. “I’m not a fan of doctors or all these appointments,” he said, adding that he’s always had a general mistrust of the medical system.
Neighborhood and Built Environment
Food insecurity is linked to chronic health conditions, including diabetes, heart disease, mental health disorders, and obesity
Marcus grew up in a low-income, all-Black neighborhood in Detroit, where environmental hazards and violence were part of daily life.
Moving to an Indiana suburb before high school was a turning point. “I’m grateful we live in a safe neighborhood now, with plenty of resources.” He loves that he can walk or take the bus to avoid filling up his gas-guzzling pickup truck.
“I can’t work right now, but I can cook, and that helps me feel like I’m still providing,” he said. He enjoys trips to the nearby grocery store with his mother-in-law, Evelyn, and visits the farmer’s market when he can.
“Growing up without enough to eat probably sparked my love of cooking,” he said. He takes pride in preparing fresh, nutritious meals for his family.
Social and Community Context
Marcus has faced several microaggressions and instances of discrimination while working, including being stopped by police on suspicion of breaking into homes.
“It’s happened twice,” he said. “I put a decal with my company logo on my truck, so people are less likely to hassle me.” These experiences have affected his mental health and made him more cautious. He often talks to his son about safety.
“I tell Jayden, if he ever feels unsafe, I’ll come get him—no questions asked.” Marcus often shares stories from his childhood in Detroit with Jayden, recounting how growing up around violent crime shaped his view of safety.
There is a statistically significant link between police interactions and poor mental health.
Jayden’s Story
As a 17-year-old high school junior, Jayden balances academics, athletics, and family responsibilities while worrying about his family’s future. A strong student, Jayden dreams of studying aeronautical engineering at Purdue. But with his family’s financial struggles, he’s unsure if scholarships and financial aid will be enough to cover his expenses.
When he’s not studying or playing sports, Jayden helps his grandmother stay active by walking with her around the neighborhood. Spending time outdoors—running trails or playing basketball with his dad—helps him find peace. However, he knows the challenges he faces as a young Black man. After a run-in with the police while walking home, Jayden remains cautious about his surroundings.
A third-generation Haitian-American, Jayden is proud of his heritage and is working on improving his basic Creole. He’s also passionate about anime and comic books—Spider-Man’s Miles Morales is his favorite.
Learn About Jayden
Economic Stability
At 17 and a junior in high school, Jayden worries about his family’s financial struggles and is considering getting a job after school to help. Jayden feels the pressure from his mom being pregnant and his dad being out of work. He’s been pushing himself in academics and athletics, hoping to earn a scholarship to cover college expenses.
“My mom wants me to focus on school and sports,” he said, “but if things get tighter, I might need to step up.”
Education Access and Quality
Jayden excels in school, balancing advanced coursework with his passion for science. A straight-A honors student, he wants to attend Purdue University to study aerospace engineering.
His parents made sure he had the help and resources needed for assignments and projects. That guidance shaped his future, especially when he joined the school robotics team and combined his passion for science with the hands-on skills he learned while helping his dad with construction projects.
He’s enrolled in the 21st Century Scholar program, which would cover tuition, but he’s uncertain if that, along with potential scholarships and loans, will be enough to complete his degree.
He worries if being far from home for college is the right choice. He wonders if it would be better to be close to home to help with his baby sibling and to look after his grandmother.
His mom is firm about him going to college. “We’ll make it work,” she said to him. “You’ll come home during breaks, and there are always video calls. Your future is too important.”
Health Care Access and Quality
Jayden has been experiencing anxiety and stress lately. He’s pushing himself academically and athletically because he hopes to earn scholarship money. He overheard his parents discuss how Black mothers are at greater risk of dying during pregnancy, and he can’t bear to think about the worst-case scenario.
“I try not to say anything because I don’t want to add to their worries,” he said. But keeping these concerns to himself is overwhelming.
Neighborhood and Built Environment
Jayden’s neighborhood is perfect for his cross-country training. The paths and trails lead to a nearby state park. During the off-season, he runs through the trails or plays basketball with his dad at the park. Sometimes, his friends join him there to shoot hoops or play volleyball.
Spending time outdoors helps Jayden find peace and connect with his family. He takes his grandma on walks around the neighborhood, hoping to help her stay active and not feel confined at home. They talk about everything—from school to what’s happening at church—and enjoy the fresh air and time together.
However, as much as he enjoys his freedom outside, his parents sat him down for a serious conversation once he got his learner’s permit.
“We just want you to be safe,” his mother told him. “Be aware of your surroundings and stay cautious.” They reminded him that as a Black teen, he has to be mindful of how he moved through the world and interacted with law enforcement if it ever happens again.
Once, while walking home, a police officer stopped him for questioning. Though nothing came of it, the experience stayed with him. It’s a reality he considers daily—balancing the freedom he feels in the neighborhood with the need to be cautious about where and when he goes places.
Social and Community Context
Jayden grew up in a multigenerational household, sharing space with his grandparents and cousins. When his parents bought their own home, moving out was bittersweet. While he loved having more space, he missed the constant presence of his grandparents. Thankfully, they remained close by and heavily involved in his life.
Now that his grandmother has moved in with them, he treasures their time together. Being a third-generation Hoosier-Haitian, Jayden is proud of his heritage. While he can hold basic conversations in Creole with his grandmother, he’s determined to improve. He chose to study French in high school since it’s another language spoken in Haiti.
Jayden’s social circle extends beyond his relatives. Being an athlete has connected him with many friends, and gaming has helped him stay connected outside school. He and his cousin volunteer for neighborhood beautification projects to give back to the community he loves.
An anime lover, he dreams of someday visiting Japan to dive deeper into its culture. He enjoys Japanese food when his family splurges on take-out or his father tries a new recipe.
In his limited downtime, Jayden can be found with comic books. His favorite character is Spider-Man’s Miles Morales, a hero to whom he feels a personal connection.
“It’s like looking in the mirror,” he said. “Someone who looks like me, trying to do the right thing even when life is complicated.”
Parental education, especially of the mother, is associated with higher-quality home learning environments.
Evelyn’s Story
Evelyn grew up in Haiti, where food was scarce and money tight. After marrying Sammuel, a Haitian-American, she moved to Indiana and built a life for her family through hard work and frugality. Now 69 and widowed, she lives with her daughter, Nichelle.
She cooks traditional Haitian meals and plans to help with child care for her new grandchild, but her mobility issues and diabetes have made it harder for her to keep up lately. Limited English proficiency and past trauma have made Evelyn wary of doctors.
Her church is Evelyn’s anchor. It helped her through the isolation she felt when she first moved to Indiana, and today, it keeps her connected to her community through senior programs and volunteer work. While she’s grateful to be surrounded by family and community, she sometimes feels like a burden and wonders what life would be like if she could do more independently.
Learn About Evelyn
Economic Stability
6% of the Indiana population is individuals of foreign birth.
Evelyn grew up on a small farm in Haiti with her parents and nine siblings. Despite both parents working and the children pitching in, it was hard to make ends meet.
“Many nights, we went to bed hungry,” she said.
Her life took a turn when she met Sammuel, a Haitian-American, visiting family in Haiti. They married by the end of his trip, and two years later, Evelyn joined him in Indiana. She found work as a housekeeper at a hotel in Evansville. She stretched a dollar every way she knew—making clothes for her daughters from discount fabric and relying on thrift stores.
“We didn’t have much, but we ate,” she said. “I praise the Lord for that.”
Their financial struggles continued for years, but they got by with the support of their church and family. Evelyn juggled unreliable child care after she returned to work after having her children. On days when the church child care wasn’t available, she stayed home and missed work. When Nichelle was old enough to look after her younger sister, Evelyn could work more consistently.
Later in life, Sammuel’s battle with prostate cancer wiped out the little savings they had. The medical bills for treatment and hospice drained everything. Nichelle’s husband, Marcus, stepped in to help Evelyn care for Sammuel in his final months.
“Marcus, he is a good man,” Evelyn said. “Helped me when I could not lift Sammuel.”
A year after Sammuel’s passing, Evelyn lives with Nichelle and Marcus. She contributes to expenses using her Social Security check, as she qualifies for reduced survivor benefits, but rising grocery prices make it hard to keep up. She worries about being a burden on her family.
Education Access and Quality
Education was a luxury her family couldn’t afford—Evelyn’s elder brothers dropped out of school so they could work. Evelyn dropped out of school just before completing her second year in high school to help her family.
When Evelyn moved to Indiana, she learned basic English in classes at her church. She has intermediate conversational skills and can read a little. Despite her limited education, Evelyn always made sure her daughters completed their homework.
When Nichelle got pregnant with Jayden, Evelyn took care of him so Nichelle could finish her degree. Now living with Nichelle and Marcus, she encourages Jayden with his studies.
“I’m so proud of him,” she said. “He will do big things.”
Health Care Access and Quality
12% of Americans have proficient health literacy.
Growing up in Haiti, consistent, preventive care wasn’t an option for Evelyn. She carried that habit into her adult life. After Sammuel’s passing, Nichelle has been urging her to take better care of herself.
At 69, Evelyn thinks a lot about her mother, who passed away around the same age. With a grandchild on the way, the thought of being unable to help weighs on her. The thoughts have started affecting her mental well-being.
Evelyn experienced a traumatic event as a child, and it has left her uncomfortable with male doctors. This unease makes it hard for her to trust the medical system.
“Sometimes I don’t understand what they say,” she said, frustrated by the communication barriers she faces in appointments. She turns to natural treatments she learned from her family back in Haiti.
But her health issues need more than home remedies. After years of physical labor in housekeeping, Evelyn struggles with mobility and sometimes uses a cane to get around. She’s managing diabetes, and sometimes it’s difficult for her to control.
Neighborhood and Built Environment
For Evelyn, cooking is more than a daily task—it’s how she keeps her Haitian heritage alive in Indiana.
“When I cook, I feel close to home,” she said. Despite the nearby grocery stores, it’s not always easy to find the specialty ingredients she needs. Her relatives mail her packages with spices and hard-to-find ingredients, and when they run out, Marcus usually drives her to cultural food markets farther away.
Her grandson, Jayden, wants her to learn to drive, thinking it will give her more independence. Now, with her mobility issues, she’s less inclined to learn how. Public transportation is too far for her to use, so she depends on her family for rides.
Social and Community Context
When Evelyn arrived in Indiana, finding a church community was her lifeline. Although she loved her life with Sammuel, the language barriers in the community made her feel isolated. Her church became where she found connection, support, and belonging.
Today, Evelyn attends a senior day program organized through the church and volunteers for activities like hosting Thursday bingo. The community gives her a strong sense of purpose, and she’s always eager to help.
For the past 20 years, Evelyn has participated in a supportive knitting circle of grandmothers who support each other through life. At home, Jayden helps Evelyn use video chats to stay connected with her Haitian family.
“I love all of my family—my family in Haiti, my family in Indiana,” she said. “I am blessed.”
The social determinants of health impact physical health and well-being as people age. People with lower incomes are more likely to have disabilities and a shorter lifespan. Evelyn is among the 40% of older Americans relying solely on Social Security. Economic instability and high inflation make it harder for people to live on a fixed income.
Resource Highlights
FSSA
- Healthy Indiana Plan
- Hoosier Care Connect
- Hoosier Healthwise
- INConnect Alliance
- Indiana 211
- Indiana 988
- Indiana Health Coverage Programs Providers
- Medicaid
- Older Americans Act | Family Caregiver Support
- Pathways for Aging
- Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
