Meet Your Neighbor: Janet Serrano

The Lives and Journeys Among Us

“Meet Your Neighbor” is a column I am developing in collaboration with Fountain House and City Voices to celebrate the joy of meeting new people, listening to their stories, and sharing them with others. The goal is to inspire you to connect with the incredible individuals around you, to hear their experiences, and to share your own. Everyone carries a unique story, and there is magic in each person. Instead of judging a book by its cover, open it with curiosity and kindness, and discover the richness within.

Janet Serrano’s life has been shaped by trauma, resilience, and transformation. From a childhood marked by dysfunction and fear to becoming a recovery coach, her story is one of turning pain into purpose.

Growing up, Janet endured narcissistic abuse and lived with the constant fear instilled by her biological father’s violent actions. This early trauma left her with anxiety, trust issues, and a deep sense of unworthiness. As a Latina from a low-income community, she also faced societal disparities that made her journey even harder.

In 2016, Janet found herself in a domestic violence shelter, struggling to regain safety and stability. The experience was harrowing—she encountered discrimination and verbal abuse, starkly contrasting how she was treated when she was employed and perceived as a “standup citizen.” The trauma triggered chronic illnesses, intensifying her depression and anxiety.

Amid this darkness, Janet sought knowledge and support. She learned about cognitive behavioral therapy and embraced peer support to help both herself and her son, who had been diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome. Education became their pathway to resilience.

Her turning point came when she discovered Samaritan Daytop Village’s Peer Alliance Recovery Center (PARC) at 510 Courtlandt Ave, 2nd floor, Bronx, NY. Walking in broken and discredited, she found a community that believed in her when she couldn’t believe in herself. At PARC, Janet realized the power of connection. “Sometimes, it just takes a group of people who see your worth to remind you it’s there,” she reflects.

With renewed strength, Janet focused on her recovery and supported her son, who defied the odds by earning a scholarship to SUNY Polytechnic and graduating at 21. Her dedication to advocacy extended beyond her family—she fought tirelessly for the rights of those facing mental health challenges, advocating for fair treatment in supportive housing and social services.

Today, Janet is a trauma-informed recovery coach, guiding others toward healing. She works with advocacy groups to challenge stigma and empower those in need. “You can turn your pain into purpose,” she tells others, emphasizing that struggles can become catalysts for change.

Her vision goes further—she dreams of establishing a coping center and resource hub where individuals can access support without fear or stigma. She is determined to address the “facial flaws” of the mental health system, ensuring those in crisis find compassion rather than judgment.

Janet’s journey proves that recovery is possible and transformation is within reach. “We don’t need money to do it,” she insists. “It’s about creating connections, embracing our humanity, and fostering resilience.”

As she continues advocating for mental health rights, Janet’s message is clear: Face everything without running. Healing is possible, and no one has to walk the path alone. “I believe in full r.e.c.o.v.e.r.y (really enveloping coming out victorious every rough year). For the purity of our community is within our hands.”