STORY BY BENJAMIN LERNER PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY JENNA ’ S PROMISE
A Community of Hope
Jenna ’ s Promise provides people in recovery from substance use disorder with supportive services that help them make a lasting change in their lives
When Greg and Dawn Tatro founded Jenna ’ s Promise in 2019 with their son , Gregory Tatro , and their daughter-in-law , Amy Tatro , their goal was to create a supportive community for people in recovery from substance use disorder ( SUD ) that addressed the critical gaps in treatment , aftercare , and recovery housing systems . At the time , the Tatro family was grieving the loss of their bright and loving daughter , Jenna , who tragically passed away as a result of her battle with SUD .
In the advent of Jenna ’ s passing , the Tatros channeled their grief into positive action , building a haven of hope and recovery in the town of Johnson . They purchased and renovated several buildings throughout the town , including a church , several houses , and multiple commercial spaces . They then converted them into recovery housing , a community center , a medical office , and several recovery-friendly businesses . In the process , they brought new life to Johnson ’ s economy , and they set a bold precedent for innovative and comprehensive recovery programs .
Over the past few years , Jenna ’ s Promise has earned the endorsement of prominent politicians , such as Vermont ’ s Governor Phil Scott , Senator Bernie Sanders , Congressman Peter Welch , and Senator Cory Booker of New Jersey , among others . Thanks to their vocal support , the generosity of private and public donors , and recent grants from the Vermont State government , the Tatro family ’ s vision is
58 VERMONT MAGAZINE