By: Shannon Desilets, NH Department of Health & Human Services
Choose Love New Hampshire first began in 2018, when Governor Sununu enacted the statewide initiative of the Jesse Lewis Choose Love Movement. I have been honored to run this program, supporting and serving our state’s schools, homes, communities, athletics, early childhood centers, out of school time professionals, state departments, and agencies/organizations wanting to incorporate the Choose Love Movement into their missions. The Choose Love Movement offers no cost essential life skills and character development programs for schools, homes, and communities. Anyone can access these programs by simply visiting and registering on the Choose Love site.
The Choose Love NH initiative first began as part of our School Safety Preparedness Task Force recommendations. As a result, thousands of students have engaged with the program, learning valuable lessons about resilience and emotional intelligence. Educators have reported a positive shift in classroom dynamics, as students demonstrate improved behavior, enhanced relationships, and greater overall well-being.
Choose Love NH has evolved into a powerful force for positive change. We are the first state in the nation to make Choose Love a statewide initiative, and through our leadership, we are serving as a model for other states and countries. Over NH 600 schools (including early childhood centers, pre K- grade 12, and post-secondary education) have accessed the program.
The adaptability of this initiative has been a key factor in its success. Choose Love NH and its state partners have developed resources tailored to different ages and audiences, ensuring its teachings and accessibility are relevant to everyone. We have created two major programs that are serving as models for other states and nations: Choose Love for Caregivers, designed for foster caregivers, kinship programs, and workers in the field, as well as Choose Love for Corrections. (As a continuation of the Corrections program, Shannon is working directly with NH’s Department of Corrections’ Family Connections Center to also develop programming for loved ones of those incarcerated.)
Choose Love NH has spurred community engagement initiatives. A Choose Love tour took place on the heels of Covid to nurture mental health and well-being. Additionally, continued community events, workshops and training sessions take place to provide opportunities to model and promote principles of love, empathy and compassion in our daily lives for the youth we serve. Parent/community nights also take place at schools across the state. I make it a point to serve any school who reaches out wanting to create these events, promoting increased community and parent/caregiver engagement.
Partnerships with local organizations and businesses have also played a vital role in the initiative’s growth. By collaborating with nonprofits, mental health organizations, and other community stakeholders, Choose Love NH has expanded its resources and outreach efforts. These partnerships have facilitated the development of workshops and training programs aimed at equipping adults with tools needed to support the emotional health of children and adults. Workplace training sessions have been created as well to help foster healthy workplace culture.
Additionally, Spaulding Academy & Family Services in Northfield, NH, has become the world’s first certified Choose Love school. Beyond the school walls, their residential and community staff have also committed to fully embracing Choose Love for the children and youth they serve. Since adopting the program, Spaulding’s principal, Garrett Lavalee, has reported a significant increase in academic test scores, a significant increase in attendance, and over a 30% reduction in physical management needed. It has made tremendous improvements for student and staff wellbeing.
The vision of Choose Love NH is to create a culture of love, compassion and resiliency throughout New Hampshire to support children’s emotional health and the well-being of adults. It serves to inspire communities to embrace the Choose Love character values (Courage, Gratitude, Forgiveness, Compassion in Action) to help people of all ages thrive. Engagement from educators, parents/caregivers, community partners and leaders in the growth of this initiative exemplifies the power of community-driven change. The ripple effect serves to make a lasting impact that will benefit generations to come.
To learn more about Choose Love, I welcome you to reach out: shannon.m.desilets@dhhs.nh.gov or 603.573.6207
