When founder Michelle Lewis lost her son to suicide, she attended a suicide prevention walk with her family. For a few years she partnered with that organization to raise money for suicide awareness and prevention. After a few years the desire was there to have the money stay local to be able to have more of an impact on the local community. She along with some concerned members of the community and her family began what is now Choose To Stay to help bring awareness and helpful programs to Mecosta, Osceola, and Montcalm Counties.