About the Choose Love Movement

Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement™ is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to create safer and more loving communities through Character Social Emotional Development programs (CSED) that are suited for all stages of life. We offer programs tailored for any age from toddlers through adulthood.

The Story Behind the Movement

It Began With 3 Words

Scarlett Lewis founded the Choose Love Movement after her son, Jesse, was murdered during the Sandy Hook Elementary School tragedy in December 2012 which remains as one of the worst mass shootings in U.S. history.

At six years old, Jesse, alongside 19 of his first-grade classmates and six educators, died. In the ultimate act of courage, law enforcement later learned that Jesse used his final moments to heroically save nine of his friends.

Upon returning home, Scarlett discovered a message Jesse had written on their kitchen chalkboard that became the catalyst of the movement. It read, “Norturting Helinn Love”. After hours of research and consultation with numerous experts, these words became our call to action and formula for uplifting lives. Scarlett came to realize that if the shooter had received more nurturing in his life, the tragedy might never have happened and the Movement was launched.

2021

2021 New Haven Biz: Women in Business Awards

November

New Haven Business Journal recognized Scarlett Lewis as an outstanding woman with significant achievement within the education industry, and as an advocate for peace, and esteemed by both the business community and the community beyond. The purpose of the annual “Women in Business” awards initiative is to put a spotlight on a few of the successful women in the region and their accomplishments.

2021 Gold Stevie Award

September

Presented to the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement for Organization of the Year – Government or Non-Profit– 10 or Less Employees. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run. ​

Forbes 50 Over 50 Impact Honoree

July

Scarlett Lewis is one of 50 women who are leading the way with impact and changing their communities and the world in ways big and small through social entrepreneurship, law, advocacy and education. It’s the second chapter of Forbes’ 50 Over 50 project, launched in June and produced in partnership with Mika Brzezinski’s Know Your Value initiative.

CT Entrepreneur Award – Education

April

Scarlett was honored for her dedication, resiliency, ingenuity, and her mission of continually finding innovative ways to help children and adults thrive in life and to make the world a safer more peaceful and loving place for all.

Remarkable Woman for Connecticut 2021

March

WTNH News 8 named Scarlett Remarkable Woman for Connecticut 2021 for being a woman who inspires, leads, and forges the way for other women, and the great contributions she has made to her local community and to our nation. Remarkable Women is part of a nationwide Nexstar Media initiative to honor the influence that women have had on public policy, social progress, and the quality of life.

2020

2020 Silver Stevie

September

Awarded to the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement for Organization of the Year — government or nonprofit — with 10 or less employees. The International Business Awards® are open to all organizations worldwide, and include categories to honor accomplishments in all aspects of work life.

2020 Unsung Hero

June

Presented to Scarlett by NonProfit PRO for being one of the nonprofit sector’s best and brightest — people who are doing incredible work to change the world. They honor those people who are passionate, hard-working, and selfless and thank them for their countless hours of dedication, resourcefulness, perseverance, and resilience to the causes they care so deeply about.

2020 Peace Heroine

January

Scarlett Lewis is the Peace Center’s first 2020 Peace Heroes Legacy Hall inductee. The Center strives to be the iconic symbol of peace in the community, envisioning a Connecticut where differences are respected, conflicts are resolved peacefully, and violence is not tolerated. Scarlett is a humanitarian who is on a mission to make the world a peaceful, more loving place for all. With this award, the Center celebrates how Scarlett inspires hope and recognizes her commitment to advancing a global movement of peace through the Choose Love Movement.

2019

2019 NEASC Charles Eliot Award

December

Presented by New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) to Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, in recognition and appreciation of the quiet contributions, the achievements both acclaimed and unknown, and the personal sacrifices made for the benefit of all.

2019 Jason Award

November

Presented by Children’s Square U.S.A. to Scarlett Lewis, founder of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement, to honor her for her vision, courage, and will.

2019 Silver Stevie – Organization of the Year

November

Presented to The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement for Organization of the Year – Government or Non-Profit– 10 or Less Employees. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run. All individuals and organizations worldwide are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small.

2019 Silver Stevie – Woman of the Year

November

Presented to Scarlett Lewis as the founder of The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement for Woman of the Year – Government or Non-Profit. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run. All individuals and organizations worldwide are eligible to submit nominations – public and private, for-profit and non-profit, large and small.

2019 Mindful Family Award

October

This award was presented by Mission Be to Scarlett, Jesse, and J.T. Lewis for their outstanding courage, love and compassion for others.

Global Presence 2019 Humanitarian Award

October

Scarlett was presented with the Parenting 2.0’s 2019 Global Presence Humanitarian Award, which recognizes an individual and/or organization that has nurtured Life Skills development in a magnanimous manner.

2019 Courage, Confidence, and Character Award

June

The Courage, Confidence, and Character Award is presented by the Girl Scouts of Connecticut to an individual who has overcome unique challenges in their life and has made outstanding contributions to their community or achieved extraordinary success.

Certificate of Accomplishment

June

Senator Murphy recognized Scarlett’s commitment to empowering educators and students by promoting social and emotional education in schools and being an inspiration to young women and girls everywhere. He noted that Scarlett’s leadership exemplifies all that it means to be a Girl Scout, not only for those she works with now, but for generations of change-makers in the years to come.

Certificate of Special Recognition

June

CT Senator Richard Blumenthal recognized Scarlett for receiving the Girl Scouts 2019 Courage, Confidence, and Character Award for her extraordinary work and advocacy for Social and Emotional Learning (SEL).

Official Statement of Recognition

June

Lieutenant Governonr Bysiewicz recognized Scarlett for receiving the Courage, Confidence, and Character Award presented by the Girl Scouts of CT, thanking her for her many years of service and for her commitment to serving as a role model for women and girls across Connecticut.

Ford Theatre Gala

June

Scarlett was honored at the Ford Theater Gala with a standing ovation for almost a minute. This tribute showcases the extraordinary individuals for their service and work to help create a more unified and compassionate nation.

2018

2018 Character and Courage Award

October

Presented by Character.org – Over the years, we’ve been proud to honor individuals who have displayed character throughout their lives through their words and actions.

Promising Practices Award

October

Presented by Character.org – The award is given to organizations that “plan and implement unique initiatives that foster collaboration and good character building.” The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement received a Promising Practices Award for its work promoting Social and Emotional Learning to students.

Changing the World One Heart at a Time Award

August

Award presented by The Center for Nonviolence & Peace Studies to Scarlett Lewis and the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement for dedication and commitment to spreading Jesse’s message of Nurturing Healing Love as a global movement for peace.

2018 Woman of Distinction

May

The YWCA Darien/Norwalk selected Scarlett Lewis as a recipient for the 2018 Women of Distinction Awards. The award recognizes women who have made significant and unique contributions that have made a difference in the community. Scarlett is recognized for her work at Hindley School in Darien, CT and All Saints Catholic School in Norwalk, CT as well as the global impact she makes teaching students how to Choose Love through the Choose Love Enrichment Program.

Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters

May

Presented to Scarlett by Quinnipiac University’s College of Arts and Sciences

2017

2017 Gold Stevie – Organization of the Year

November

Presented to the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement for Organization of the Year – Government or Non-Profit– 10 or Less Employees. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run.

2017 Silver Stevie – Female Executive of the Year

November

Presented to Scarlett for Female Executive of the Year – Government or Non-Profit –10 or Less Employees. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run.

2017 Silver Stevie – Woman of the Year

November

Presented to Scarlett for Woman of the Year – Government or Non-Profit. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are the world’s top honors for female entrepreneurs, executives, employees and the organizations they run.

2016

2016 Top-Rated Nonprofit

November

Presented to the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement by Great Nonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and nonprofits.

Family and Community Service Award

October

Presented to The Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement by the Rotary Club of Meriden, CT in recognition of outstanding service to families and communities.

16th Serenity Award

September

Presented by the Center for Serenity to Scarlett Lewis for her faithfulness in spreading Jesse’s message and nurturing healing love around the world.

Keys To The City

Fayetteville, Arkansas

2014

Legacy Award Honoree

September

Presented to Scarlett Lewis by Aurea McGarry’s Live Your Legacy Summit for being the world’s strongest mother and carrying on Jesse’s legacy with his message of nurturing, healing love.

Hero of Forgiveness

August

Presented to Scarlett Lewis by the Worldwide Forgiveness Alliance in recognition of her courage and commitment to forgiveness, peace and reconciliation.

Plaque of Appreciation

August

Presented to Scarlett Lewis by the Tri-County Mental Health 24th Annual Banquet for her support.

2014 Common Ground Award

October

Presented to Scarlett Lewis and the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement by the Search for Common Ground. The Common Ground Awards are presented annually to honor outstanding accomplishments in conflict resolution, negotiation, community building, and peace building. Recipients have made significant contributions toward bridging divides and finding solutions to seemingly intractable problems. We honor those who deal with conflict in new ways; who meet crises with creativity, wisdom and courage; who inspire and bring hope to totters. Recipients of the Awards work in their local communities or internationally. They show us what can be achieved when we work with, and for, each other.

Plaque

February

Presented to Scarlett Lewis by the Mississippi Child Welfare Institute Conference in appreciation for serving as a Plenary Speaker

Plaque

City of Germantown

Positive Ogive Award

2013

Plaque of Appreciation

September

Presented to Scarlett Lewis by the LEVAS Organization in appreciation for her supportive speech at the 18th Annual LEVAS Memorial Tribute to 1st Responders of 911, U.S. Military, Mothers United Against Violence, Newtown and many others.