Liftingthose with

leprosy

LEPROSYLeprosy 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.

Help the leprosy colonies become thriving self-sufficient communities. We are accomplishing this through three major initiatives:

OUR MISSION

Economic Rehabilitation

Medical Care

Education

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 Star Outreach partnered with Mrs. Padma Venkataraman, 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

Over 13,000people 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.

RankedIn 2013

in the Kanchipuram

district out of 410 schools

EDUCATIONMany 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.

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 married Gopal, another Rising Star Outreach leprosy patient, and together they have a beautiful daughter named Theerthy.

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.

SPONSOR A CHILD

Nutrition

Housing Medical &Dental Care

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

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

VVOLUNTEER

AADVOCATE

SSPONSOR

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

DDONATE

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.

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

15 Leprosy colonies benefitted from

infrastructure projects

88% Program ServicesEducation and Boarding

Medical CareMicro-grants

Colony DevelopmentEducation Grants

1.5% Fundraising

10.5% Management

& General

colonies

516 Children received education in 2015

29,570 People impacted by Rising Star

Outreach Programs in 2015

3305 North University Ave, Suite 250Provo, Utah 84604

www.risingstaroutreach.org

Want to know more? Scan for an informational video.