This document summarizes the work of Rising Star Outreach, an organization that helps leprosy-affected communities in India become self-sufficient. It discusses three major initiatives: economic rehabilitation through microloans and skills training to replace begging; mobile medical care to treat injuries and illnesses; and education including a boarding school to provide children opportunities. It provides an example of one woman who received a loan and now runs a successful tea business, allowing her daughter to attend the school. The document encourages supporting this work through volunteering, advocacy, sponsorship of children's education, or donations.

1. Liftingthose with
leprosy

2. LEPROSY
Leprosy is a curable disease caused by
mycobacterium leprae which attacks the
body.This may result in nerve damage,
predisposing contractures and
disfigurement. Leprosy involves the cooler
parts of the body such as skin, nerves,
mucosa in the upper respiratory tract,
extremities and eyes.
Treatment for leprosy is done through a
multi-drug therapy (MDT) regimen.
If treatment is implemented in the early
stages, it can be cured without lasting
effects or physical deformities.
Leprosy cripples those effected
emotionally, physically and economically
largely due to the social stigma associated
with it.

3. Help the leprosy colonies become thriving self-sufficient communities.
We are accomplishing this through three major initiatives:
OUR MISSION
Economic Rehabilitation
Medical Care
Education

4. Traditionally, leprosy affected individuals are reduced to
begging to sustain themselves and their families. They
leave their colonies for weeks at a time to travel to the
nearest city where they live on the streets as beggars
until they collect enough money to return back to the
colony. Begging is being replaced with industry as Rising
Star Outreach works to help individuals become self-
sufficient.
In June 2003, Rising StarOutreach partnered with Mrs.
PadmaVenkataraman, daughter of the former President
of India, to initiate economic rehabilitation in the
colonies of India. Micro-grants are dispensed to start
agriculture businesses, open snack shops or become
tailors or weavers.
The changes are visible in the colonies. Dwellings are
being repaired, toilets constructed and infrastructure
improved. Colony meetinghouses are in demand and
computer labs are being used to provide technical
education for competitive employment.We have seen a
growth in barber, laundry, and tailoring services,
indicating an increase in self-respect and dignity. More than 1,000 families are being
impacted through Rising Star Outreach’s
economic rehabilitation efforts.
ECONOMIC
REHABILITATION

5. Over 13,000
people benefit from the
medical program.
Over 2,700 patients
participated in our social welfare
programs such as counseling for
substance abuse & depression,
physiotherapy, geriatric & pre-
natal care.
MEDICAL
Leprosy patients often suffer from a lack of feeling in their hands and feet. Without the protection of
pain, injuries occur often by stepping on something with bare feet or burning hands while cooking over
open flames. Open wounds and ulcers are common in leprosy patients and are slow to heal, often
becoming infected or gangrenous resulting in amputations.
The difficulty of transportation makes it challenging for patients to receive regular or proper medical
attention. Many are turned away from hospitals or cannot pay for the necessary treatments.
In April 2005, Rising Star Outreach began operating a mobile
medical unit to address these needs. Qualified staff treat
patients on a biweekly basis, providing needed medicines,
screenings, checkups and education.

6. Ranked
In 2013
in the Kanchipuram
district out of 410 schools
EDUCATION
Many children in leprosy colonies do not have
and have never had leprosy. As a family unit,
however, they are often rejected from society
due to the lingering stigma surrounding the
disease. They are often unable to acquire
adequate education for meaningful
employment.
Rising Star Outreach offers life altering
opportunities to these children through a
boarding school. Parents enroll their students
into the Peery Matriculation school where
they receive an education that greatly
increases their opportunities for college and
employment success.
The Peery Matriculation school offers a
rigorous academic program which includes
English, Science, Mathematics and Computer
Technology. More than 240 children are
preparing to be future leaders in India as they
learn life skills and develop self-reliance in an
environment that fosters principles of
honesty, kindness and service.

7. POONGOTHAI’S
STORY
Poongothai’s story is story of determination, hard work,
and gratitude. Poongothai was diagnosed with leprosy at
the age of eight.At that time, leprosy patients were
harshly discriminated against, and the simple task of
living became nearly impossible. At the age of 15,
Poongothai noticed blisters on her legs and decided to
move so she could receive better care at a Leprosy
Institute. Her mother was able to arrange a marriage for
her, despite her isolation. She marriedGopal, another
Rising Star Outreach leprosy patient, and together they
have a beautiful daughter namedTheerthy.
In addition to receiving medical care from Rising Star
Outreach, Poongothai has benefited from several micro-
grants, which have allowed her and Gopal to develop as
self-sufficient tea business. She has since re-paid her
grants, allowing others to benefit from the same money.
Theerty is a student at Rising Star’s Peery Matriculation
School, and her mother is saving for her daughter’s
further education. Together, Poongathi and Gopal turn a
profit of about $32 per month, which she is proud of.
Poongothai’s dream is to educate her daughter well and live a life of dignity in her society.

8. SPONSOR A CHILD
Nutrition
Housing Medical &
DentalCare
Education
Within a leprosy colony, children face challenges
of limited fresh water, healthy food and adequate
health care. Far too often they are taken out and
used as beggars on the streets to help provide for
their families. You can help break this cycle with
less than a dollar per day.
Rising Star Outreach provides a clean and safe
environment, where children receive the
necessities of life and a quality education.
Professional and volunteer staff ensure that each
child is growing and thriving, with balanced
activities that are both age and developmentally
appropriate.
A personal connection is created between a
sponsor and a child, that provides encouragement
and support to the growing student and blesses
both giver and receiver.
To Learn More Visit: www.risingstaroutreach.org//educating-children.php

9. VOLUNTEER
Volunteers both fund the programs and experience first hand the impact in all three areas of the
Rising Star Outreach Mission. Volunteers participate in three rotations: Education, Medical and
Community Outreach.
Work with children in the
school to improve English
fluency.
Aid the India doctors and
nurses with wound care and
social interaction in colonies.
Variety of projects and colony visits
are arranged to serve, educate and
improve infrastructure.
EducationMedical Community
Outreach
To Learn More Visit: www.risingstaroutreach.org/volunteer.php
in

10. V
VOLUNTEER
A
ADVOCATE
S
SPONSOR
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Volunteer and have
an experience you
will never forget!
You will have hands-
on opportunities to
make a difference
and see for yourself
the changes service
can make.
Leprosy is a
forgotten disease,
leaving those who
suffer without a
voice. You can be
that voice.We invite
you to share the
mission of Rising
Star Outreach.
Only $30 a month can
change the future of
a child.
Rising Star Outreach
not only offers
schooling or food
alone with your
support, but provides
comprehensive care
for the children on
our campus.
Contact us at: www.risingstaroutreach.org or 801.820.0466
D
DONATE
There are over 700
leprosy colonies in
India. To aid more
colonies, families and
individuals we need
your support.
Donations large and
small make an impact
for generations.

11. RESPONSIBILITY
Rising Star Outreach is a registered 501(c)(3) charity.
Third-party audits are conducted annually.
Over
leprosy colonies
in India
Rising Star Outreach
aids more than
15Leprosy colonies benefitted from
infrastructure projects
88% Program Services
Education and Boarding
Medical Care
Micro-grants
Colony Development
Education Grants
1.5% Fundraising
10.5% Management
& General
colonies
516Children received education in 2015
29,570People impacted by Rising Star
Outreach Programs in 2015

12. 3305 North University Ave, Suite 250
Provo, Utah 84604
www.risingstaroutreach.org
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