Media Contact:
Emily Sheffield, Development & Communications Specialist
Hope on Haven Hill
603-841-5353 ext. 2025
esheffield@hopeonhavenhill.org
www.hopeonhavenhill.org

Rochester, NH — February 12th, 2026 — Hope on Haven Hill (HHH) is proud to announce that the 2026 George Vanderheiden Lifetime Service Impact Award will be presented to Scarlett Lewis at the annual Gala on March 21, 2026, at Wentworth by the Sea Hotel in New Castle, NH. For more information about the gala and to purchase your tickets, please visit our ticketing website.

This prestigious award honors the enduring spirit and legacy of George Vanderheiden by recognizing an individual who has made a profound and lasting impact on improving the lives of women and children. It celebrates those who embody the values George cherished — deep love of family, commitment to health and well-being, and unwavering support for causes that strengthen individuals, families, and communities.

Past recipients include:

Mary Ellen Jackson (2023), Tym Rourke (2024) and Tom Raffio (2025)

Each honoree reflects the selfless dedication and service that defined George’s life. His legacy continues to inspire and lives on through the more than 1,000 women, children, and babies whose lives have been touched by Hope on Haven Hill’s programs and services.

From hiking and pickleball to championing organizations aligned with his values, George created community and connection in every place he encountered. This award recognizes leaders who use their experience, compassion, and influence to create meaningful and lasting change.

Scarlett Lewis is the founder of the Choose Love Movement™, a nonprofit organization that has positively influenced millions of children and educators across all 50 U.S. states and more than 135 countries. After the tragic loss of her son, Jesse, in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Scarlett created proactive and evidence-informed programs to be taught in a variety of environments. Her programs teach essential life skills and qualities — qualities like courage, gratitude, forgiveness, and compassion — empowering people of all ages to Choose Love™ in any circumstance, helping to prevent future tragedies. Her programs now serve schools, families, foster care systems, corrections settings, and community organizations worldwide.

Scarlett is the author of Nurturing Healing Love: A Mother’s Journey of Hope & Forgiveness and From Sandy Hook to the World: How the Choose Love Movement Transforms Lives, along with several children’s books. Her work and leadership have earned her numerous honors, including the 2025 Woman of the Year Nonprofit Stevie Award, the 2025 ACEP Humanitarian Award, the 2024 AARP Purpose Prize Fellowship, the Bloomberg 50 honor, the Forbes 50 Over 50 Impact Honoree list and more. Through global speaking and media appearances, Scarlett continues to share a message of healing, resilience, and compassion that is transforming lives around the world.

Scarlett was first introduced to Hope on Haven Hill through longtime supporter and HHH Lighting the Way Awardee, former First Lady Valerie Sununu, in September 2023. During her first visit to Hope on Haven Hill, Scarlett met with staff, clients, children, and babies and presented the Choose Love framework in person. Her time on campus deeply impacted everyone present at HHH and resonated across the organization.

Following Scarlett’s visit, HHH formally embraced Choose Love principles as part of its organizational culture and care philosophy. That commitment extended beyond HHH itself and helped inspire broader community adoption — with the City of Rochester also embracing the call to “Choose Love” as a shared community value.

Scarlett Lewis’s work, voice, and vision continue to bring hope and practical tools for healing to individuals and systems alike — making her a fitting and inspiring recipient of the 2026 George Vanderheiden Lifetime Service Impact Award.

About Hope on Haven Hill:

Hope on Haven Hill (HHH) provides residential recovery support services for women in New Hampshire who are pregnant, postpartum, or parenting. HHH also offers outpatient substance use disorder treatment services to women across the state.