A Journey of Transformation
The Cocoon
Years shaped by abuse, silence, and a system that offered no promises.
The Turning Point
Three words from a social worker: “You have potential.”
The Butterfly
Fifty years of service, built from a childhood that offered none.
The Three Words That Changed Everything
“You Have Potential.”
Words Janice never heard from her biological or foster parents — spoken by a social worker who saw what she couldn’t yet see in herself. Her memoir traces the distance between that moment and the life she built because of it.
A Story Meant to Leave You Hopeful
Not all hurt people hurt people.
Janice’s story breaks the cycle it survived.
A beginning need not define a destiny.
Fifty years of service, built from a childhood that offered no promises.
Troubled youth are not destined for failure.
A testament to what happens when foster youth find their potential and the support to reach it.
The Memoir
A recollection of overcoming, and the courage it took to ask for help.
The Other Side of Through is more than the story of where Janice is today — it is a testament to what can happen when troubled foster youth discover their potential and find the support to successfully transition to adulthood.
Learn More About the BookAbout the Author
A nationally recognized nurse leader with fifty-plus years of service.
Dr. Janice Phillips is an experienced clinician, researcher, educator, nurse regulator, author, and public policy advocate in the health care arena. Janice is the recipient of the Martin Luther King Jr. Humanitarian Award, the University of Illinois College of Nursing SAGE Award, The National Black Nurses’ Association Lifetime Achievement Award, four distinguished alumni awards and others. Dr. Phillips has presented on every continent except Antartica. In 2000, Janice was inducted into the American Academy of Nursing for her distinguished contributions to addressing breast cancer disparities nationally and internationally. Dr. Phillips holds a BSN from North Park College, an MS in Community Health from St. Xavier School of Nursing, and a PhD from the University of Illinois College of Nursing.
Read Her Full Story