Hadley Evans is a Southern California Native currently living in Provo, Utah. She took her first photography class her junior year of high school, and hasn't put down her camera since. Hadley has been inspired by the people around her since she was young, and has applied that inspiration in to her photographs. Growing up in California she was constantly surrounded by different fashion trends and was influenced in her photographs by the different styles people would choose to wear and the different locations you could spot funky outfits.  One summer Hadley also visited India and realized she wanted to use her love of photography to help people in whatever ways possible. She believes it is important to continue to look for inspiration in people, places, and clothing to continue her growth in the photographic world.


I took this photo one weekend in Trichy. We were brought to this colony so we could meet the people that lived there and play with the children. This place was a shock to me and the volunteers because it was one of the dirtier colonies that we had seen. Their living conditions weren’t as great as some others we’ve been to that Rising Star has been working with for a longer period of time. At the same time, for me I saw such a beauty in this place and the people. This is three of the five siblings pictured here, they had told me their parents were away working for the day. It was amazing to see how not only the older siblings looked after the younger ones, but how everyone in the colony treated these kids as if they were there own. This was one of those raw, emotional, and perfect moments.



This photo makes my top favorites simply because it makes me happy. I shot this with a  shallow depth of field, allowing their to be a substantial amount of “blur."
I love the depth and movement that it gives it. I shot this at my very first playtime that i went out to, getting bombarded by kid I chose to take a tight shot out of the ten kids all fighting to get in front of the camera. Since i just shot this outside there is a nice catch light in their eyes that give them that twinkle in their eye. I love these kids and they challenged me to constantly to find new ways to take photos of them.


I sat and held this ladies hand as she waited to go through the medical rotation. She didn’t really speak english and I don’t speak Tamil, but there was a love felt just from smiling and holding hands that words can’t portray. I wanted to be able to show the deformities that Leprosy causes but at the same time the beauty of it. This is what I hope this photo shows. Sometimes we just need to look at things from a different perspective and it will make us take a second to think and change our outlook.

In the past summer months Rising Star Outreach has been blessed and really relied on the support of volunteers to pull off some great and unique events.  Your hard work and support has increased the awareness of the organization and the needs of those that are affected by leprosy. Without your love and support of this organization the summer would not have been the success it was and you have more than our thanks, but those of the kids on our campus and the members of the colonies that we serve.  To demonstrate the power of the Rising Star volunteer's impact here is a quick recap of their outstanding work.

Golf Tournament and President's Brunch

Annually this is the largest fundraiser for Rising Star.  This is an event that cannot be completed without the help of volunteers that start preparations days before.  We had volunteers driving the Red Ledges carts delivering drinks and snacks to the golfers on a warm and sunny day.  We even had a volunteer witness the hole-in-one; the fourth in the history of the course.  Volunteers were integral in the collection of donations and they worked as advocates by answering questions and sharing their Rising Star experiences.  Our volunteers also donated their talents by providing food and preparing the flower arrangements.  There were over 25 volunteers that donated their time for us, making this one of the most successful golf events.



Slide the City

1,000 ft  slip n' slide in the middle of Salt Lake was something to see!  32 volunteers came to help hundreds slide the 1,000 feet on inflatables of every shape and color on this warm summer day. Our volunteers made swag bags, ran the check in booths and helped recapture slider's inflatables they lost as they bumped and laughed their way to the bottom. Rising Star Outreach received a donation for each volunteer for a total of over $1,900.


Lantern Fest

Lantern Fest was this past weekend on August 20th where over Rising Star volunteers helped over 8,000 lanterns rise into the Utah night sky.  We supported this activity with 45 volunteers who dedicated their time to packing s'mores boxes, manning check-in, security and safety, activities, manned the swag bags and merchandise tents.  Rising Star Outreach received a donation for each volunteer provided for a total over $2,500.

This summer over 100 volunteers donated over 350 hours!!!  Your love and support is overwhelming and will bless generations.

Gratefully yours,

The Rising Star Outreach Team:
Callie, Aubrey, Mike, Carrie, and Amy

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that Rising Star Outreach announces the passing of a beloved student, daughter, sister, and friend, Varalakshmi V.

Varalakshmi passed away Friday, May 20th due to a drowning accident in the Ponneri Leprosy Colony.  She and her brothers were bathing and playing in the river located behind the colony when she was swept away by unusually strong water currents due to heavy rains. Varalakshmi was preparing to return to Peery Matriculation School at the beginning of June, where she would have started sixth standard.

Varalakshmi and her little brother Veera came to our school in June 2012, where she immediately made an impact on all who met her.  She was a fierce protector of Veera, possessed just the right amount of mischievousness, had an infectious laugh, beautiful smile, and warm sparkling eyes. Varalakshmi worked extremely hard in school. She had a love for education and was able to progress quickly despite the demanding curriculum. Numerous volunteers have tender memories of spending time with Varalakshmi and Veera during playtime, tutoring Varalakshmi during the education rotation, and walking her back to the hostel when she finished her extra studying at night school - she loved getting to hold the flashlight. Her faithful sponsors are sure to cherish the letters and school work she has sent to them and we thank them for their years of love and support.

Varalakshmi has two younger brothers that will be returning to school in June. Veera (8 yrs) will be entering 4th standard and Vignesh (5 yrs)will be one of our new kindergartners. This will be a difficult time for these brothers, her devoted father, grandfather, and the Ponneri Leprosy Colony family. The children attending our school, the housemothers, teachers, and staff who have grown to love and depend on Varalakshmi, will also miss her terribly. Please remember them in your thoughts and prayers in the coming months. Culturally appropriate grief counseling will be available to all Peery Matriculation School students when they return to campus in a few weeks. If you sponsor one or more of our beautiful students, please consider reaching out to them. The support of your relationship with your sponsored child is so important at this time.

Click on the link above or email "kids@risingstaroutreach.org" to write digitally to your sponsored child

Learn more about Sponsoring one of Varalakshmi's classmates

Donate and learn more about the College Scholarship Fund

The Rising Star Outreach Alumni Association held it first official event last Saturday evening in Salt Lake City Utah. Good times were enjoyed by all as the evening consisted of food, games, laughter prizes, topped off by an inspiring address from Rising Star Outreach founder, Becky Douglas. 

Our days there were packed full to the brim. In the morning we would alternate between doing construction projects, tutoring students at the school, and going out into the leprosy colonies doing medical rotations. In the afternoon we would head over to play with the kids at playtime, and every evening we had the special opportunity to go back over to the children’s hostels to help put the kids to bed.

Jean started volunteering with Rising Star Outreach in 2006. She didn’t have much in the way of financial resources, but as a photojournalist she knew could visually document the growth and challenges as RSO grew from a few rented rooms on the side a busy road, to a beautiful, sprawling campus on the outskirts of Chennai. From humble beginnings, RSO has become a much sought-after school and source of pride and help to many people suffering from the scourge of leprosy. She had no idea where this journey would take her, but Jean is so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing organization. Every part of her experience has been wonderful, but for Jean the best part by far has been spending time with the children and watching them grow.

To see Jean’s complete 2014 photo collection visit her blog or watch the video.

Jean and Dhnalakshmi

What make you pledge to sponsor Dhanalakshmi?

Each of my trips to India were spent mostly taking photographs. I didn’t get to spend as much time with the children as I wanted because there was always something to document. On my fifth trip to India, I saw a posting with photos and names of all the children who needed sponsors. Over the years, I had donated my time and photography skills to helping RSO spread the word about the great work they were doing, but I had not sponsored a child yet. As I looked through the names and faces of the children, one in particular stood out for me because we share the same birthday! I just knew that Dhanalakshmi would be the little girl I sponsored.

"But when I ... met the children and saw that they were real and that the sponsorship directly impacted their lives, I wanted to be involved." - Jean

How did you volunteer experience change the way you felt about sponsoring Dhanalakshmi?

When I was in high school I did a report on a non-profit organization that raised money to help children. They would send you a photo and bio of the child you agreed to sponsor. I never knew if that particular child actually received help directly from their sponsors, or if the same few photos of children were used over and over again. But when I got to RSO and met the children and saw that they were real and that the sponsorship directly impacted their lives, I wanted to be involved. I love that I have met Dhanalakshmi and held her in my arms and played with her. My heart sings every time I receive one of her precious letters.

Editor's Note: We love this picture so much that we have it hanging in the office

Why are programs like Sponsor-a-Child so important?

They are important because they directly impact the children’s live for the better. While they come from loving families who want the best for them, the children at RSO don’t have much in the way of financial means. Sponsorship gives people a way to help the children receive a quality education and good medical care, as well as help for their parents in becoming self-sufficient. It’s also important for the children to know that they are people outside their family who love and care about them.

"It’s also important for the children to know that they are people outside their family who love and care about them." - Jean

How has sponsoring Dhanalakshmi affected you and your family?

It has reaffirmed my faith in the goodness of people. And by having a personal connection to Dhanalakshmi, and so many of the children at RSO, I look forward to watching them grow and seeing where life takes them.


What is the most meaningful part of the Sponsor-a-Child program?

I’m just grateful that I am able to help in any way I can. We are so blessed in this country and it’s important to know that not everyone in the world, especially females, is as fortunate. Like everyone who experiences India or Rising Star Outreach, it helps put everything into perspective.

"I look forward to watching them grow and seeing where life takes them." - Jean

Jean's video about India:


Jean's blog can be found here: http://www.shifrinphotography.com/blog/india-land-contrasts/

Judy (right) with friends Vicki Depew, Jeri Colton, and Kerri Wall

Judy Brock calls Atlanta GA home, along with her husband Jeff. She has four daughters and two sons along with their amazing spouses who they love and adore. Not to mention their four grandson's that rule their world. They all live in the Provo, Utah area so she travels west as often as possible to be with them. She is currently the Stake YW President in the Cartersville Ga Stake (of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) and loves to hang out with the youth. She loves cardigan sweaters and warm slippers. Anything by the water is a vacation to her and dark chocolate isn't too bad either. For the last 25 years she has volunteered with her local Family Violence Center and more recently with Shiloh United Methodist Church's Daily Bread Food Pantry. She is looking forward to more opportunities to work with Rising Star Outreach and the wonderful people associated with it.

Judy and her family

It’s Valentine’s Day, and my first full day home from India and Rising Star Outreach.  The roses and card from my sweetheart were waiting for me on the kitchen table as I walked in the door from a long day at church.  I hugged my husband, and felt the love that he has for me; but this year, a new chamber in my heart was opened.  A chamber filled with love for the children and families affected by Leprosy, for the volunteers and interns, for the founders and dedicated board members and employees that have devoted years of service to our brothers and sisters in India. I wanted them all to know how much I have grown to love them, how grateful I am for the opportunity to rub elbows with each and every one of them.  I wanted to give them all a paper heart with expressions of love and gratitude for opening this chamber that always existed but was not yet revealed.

with our students

It all started several months ago, when I met Jeri Colton at the Salt Lake City airport.  We were both flying back to Atlanta and recognized each other as fellow volunteers that worked at the Atlanta Temple for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. I explained that I was in Utah to visit grandbabies and she said she was there to attend a board meeting for a charitable organization.  I asked which one and she began to describe the work of Rising Star Outreach.  I was immediately interested.  Just as our conversation was starting, we were asked to board the plane.  We said good-bye and promised to finish the conversation “one day soon”.  I boarded the plane and took my seat by the window.  Moments later, Jeri boarded and low and behold she was on my same row, aisle seat.  I quickly took the middle seat.  “One day soon”, had arrived and for the next four hours we scoured through pictures and details of Jeri’s recent experience in India and Rising Star Outreach.  By the time we landed, I was all in.  It was one of those moments of pure clarity that Rising Star Outreach was for me.


I returned home and told my family and friends all about it.  I got crazy confused looks and comments like, “Leprosy? There’s still Leprosy in the world?” and “Leprosy? Are you crazy?  It’s contagious you know”.  I fought the doubts and fears that others had planted.  I tried to clear up the myths as I moved forward to join Jeri and the other volunteers for the Women to Women session in January 2016.  My excitement grew even more when my dear friend, Vicki Depew committed to join me.  “There is safety in numbers”, I remember thinking.  My resolve was secured.

Medical Service

Vicki and I met Jeri and her friend Kerri at the airport. Three of us “new and naïve”.  Jeri was our faithful leader and mentor.  We were filled with excitement and hope for what this adventure might entail.  My focus was on what I could give.  I had no idea that what loomed ahead was what I would receive.

Judy and Divia

Upon our arrival, we were greeted by the most beautiful children.  We quickly unpacked and toured the campus on our way to recess.  It was on that first day, that I met Divia, sitting alone with a two inch plastic baby doll that she was rocking in a handful of leaves.  I knew immediately that I wanted to be her sponsor and her friend.  Later that evening, Jeri and I attended a prayer meeting with the children.  The young women called to us, “Auntie, auntie, sit here”.  We sat. The service was in Tamil but the spirit was sweet and inviting.  One young women asked Jeri if she had the bible on her cell phone.  Jeri said yes.  She asked Jeri if she could open to Joshua chapter 1 and pointed to the verse.   Jeri looked at me, and showed me the verse. It was Joshua 1:9. “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Not just any old scripture, but my favorite scripture.  The very scripture that rescued me from a tragic car accident years prior that took the life of a young 9 year old boy named Joshua.  My eyes filled with tears.  My doubts were extinguished and my original clarity confirmed. I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be and that God was there too.

Our first morning at Rising Star, Curtis, one of our faithful volunteer coordinators encouraged us to move out of our comfort zone and to spend some time in the Growth zone. He did caution us to beware of the panic zone and not to push too hard.  Leaving the comfort zone was easy.  I left it in Atlanta.  Everything going forward was about managing my growth zone.  A talk I love by one of my religious mentors is titled, “What lack I yet?”  I found myself asking that question repeatedly and every day new opportunities for growth were provided.

The Artist that pained Judy's "Tree of Life" picture with her

I’m back home now.  My heart is full as I jump back into my comfort zone. The question I hear most often is: “Was it life changing?”…. I look in awe and reply honestly without hyperbole; “yes, it was… but the jury’s still out…”  I received so much more than I gave.  I pray that I can fully assimilate all that I learned towards a better me. And on this Valentine’s Day, reflect not just on the love I feel from others but the love that comes from truly loving another.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jeffjudy.brock
Mormon.org: https://www.mormon.org/judy

We are VERY excited to announce our recently published 2016 Volunteer Session dates!

As many of you know, the Volunteer Program has undergone several changes over the last couple of months. Thank you for your continued patience, love and support so many of you have shown throughout this interesting time.

Are you having trouble deciding on whether to volunteer or not?

I’ve been in your position before—deciding whether or not to dedicate your time and resources to volunteering. I’ve been a volunteer before, many times before actually. In fact, Rising Star Outreach was my 4th International volunteer experience in addition to numerous domestic volunteering opportunities and assignments throughout my life. I don’t tell you this to brag or gloat, but rather to reassure you I know where you are coming from. I understand the hesitance and intimidation factor that sometimes comes with willingly signing up for a new experience that is more than a little out of your comfort zone.

I understand the mass of “stuff” you need to navigate while preparing all things needed for your trip—the doctor appointments, visa applications, turning this and that in, making arrangements with school, work, budget adjustments and fundraising. I understand seemingly endless flights, battling jet lag, and missing the comforts of home.

But I also understand how amazing it can be. And how no amount of money can replace the personal understanding and growth you experience. I’ve tasted the humility that comes when welcomed in to a home that is only slightly bigger than your own bedroom. I’ve watched as individuals with less than able bodies crawl, scoot, shuffle and smile their way through each day.

I’ve seen individuals beaming with pride from having accomplished something they never thought possible. I’ve felt that almost indescribable feeling of joy you feel while witnessing others overcome their circumstance bit by bit. I’ve experienced priceless moments and built friendships to last a life time.

I’ve been deeply touched and forever changed by my volunteer experiences and know you can too.

Learn more about session dates here
Sign up for our Newsletter here (make sure to choose Volunteer and Newsletter as "interest")


More about our Volunteer Program Manager

The following was taken from David’s journal from his most recent visit to Rising Star Outreach in 2014:       

Over the last few months I’ve gotten to be really close with all the older boys. I feel like I’ve taken on the role of “older brother” for these kids. A lot of them don’t have very many good male role models, so I have kind of felt the need to be that for them. One of the boys that I’ve gotten extremely close with is my sponsor child, Vimal Kanth. He is in 9th Standard, which is the equivalent to 9th grade. One night I was about to talk to him and got his story.

David and Vimal

Vimal told me that he’s never met his dad. When his mom found out that she was pregnant with him, his dad split and never came back. It was so devastating to his mom that Vimal is not even allowed to ask about him. [When not at Rising Star] Vimal lives at his mom’s house with his aunts and uncles, who I guess act like his “father figures,” but that he doesn’t really get along with.

With Friends

He keeps asking me to come back, because next year will be his last year and it could be the last time that I ever see him. I hate it when he plays that one on me because it is so true. If I come back next year, it could very well be the last time I ever see him. And I hate that thought. He has now started telling me that I have to stay in India forever. I’m only allowed to go home for my sister’s wedding, and then I have to come back to India till he dies. The best one was one night at reading time. He told me that if he found any lice in my hair that I had to stay with him forever. So he proceeded to check my hair, and he “found” one, but before he could prove it to me he “dropped it.” I guess I have to stay in India forever. I seriously love this kid so much!

Vimal is Cool

David can be found on Instagram @Davidm2010

More about our Volunteer Program Manager

January 2016 President's Letter


December left its mark on Rising Star Outreach... literally! It downed trees, washed out our track, and damaged fences and roads on our campus, while exacting a serious toll on the surrounding area and some of the colonies that we serve.

Fortunately, many of our amazing friends stepped up and responded to our call for Monsoon Relief Aid.

One of my favorite stories comes from Mindi, a young woman from Utah who decided she could help by donating money that she earned shoveling snow.


What a beautiful and profound expression of love! Thank you Mindi and thanks to each of you who have contributed to help our dear friends in the colonies.

Your help has already allowed us to set up various clinics and provide needed food and supplies to more than 1,000 individuals and their families, which you can read about here. There is still much to be done, and I will be sure to update you on how things progress with restoration.

December capped off a very memorable year for Rising Star Outreach. Some of the most notable highlights of 2015 include the following:

• The Peery Matriculation School topped enrollment of 260 students for the first time
• All five 12th standard students passed their exams and began their college careers 
•  All 13 of the 10th standard students successfully passed their exams to continue their schooling
• Together with the Perpetual Colony Education Fund recipients we helped over 500 students attend school this year!
• We were blessed to receive opening permission to start a higher secondary school at Rising Star Outreach
• Founder Becky Douglas returned from her mission to the Dominican Republic and accepted the invitation to chair the Board of Directors for Rising Star Outreach
• Sally Read concluded her term as president and I was humbled by the invitation to be the next president
• Scores of individuals received access to micro-finance
•  Hundreds of leprosy effected patients received medical 
• Thousands of lives were lifted and changed for the better!

"You really do become your best self when you put other's people needs ahead of your own."

Matthew Grover, a Cedar City native, first learned about Rising Star Outreach from our founder, Becky Douglas, while serving an LDS mission in the Dominican Republic. Upon returning home, Matt decided he wanted to be involved—even though he had already spent the last two years of his life in the service of others.


He participated in our 2015 Medical Session. Everyone loved Matt, but the kids loved him a little extra. Thank you Matt, for dedicating your time and talents and heart to Rising Star Outreach!

The following excerpts are taken, with permission, from Matt's Blog at  http://matt-goes-to-india.blogspot.com

"[Volunteering] really helped me realize the type of person I want to be, the career path I'm choosing, and how I want to spend my time helping others."

I'm sitting here at my apartment in Salt Lake and I'm missing India so bad.  The last couple of days were great and I've consciously been avoiding this blog because I didn't want to talk about leaving. [...] I really hit it off with the 10th graders, and they kept having me do stuff with them.  Minutes before I packed up my things I went over to their hostel and said good bye. 

My overall experience in India was incredible. Being able to work alongside/serve so many incredible people is something I will never forget.  A thought that I kept having while I was there is best described by Mahatma Gandhi: "The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others."  I realized that this is why I loved my mission so much, and also why I loved India.  You really do become your best self when you put other's people needs ahead of your own.

I'm so grateful to everybody who made this trip possible, I can't say that enough. This trip really helped me realize the type of person I want to be, the career path I'm choosing, and how I want to spend my time helping others with the skills I have acquired.  I encourage anybody who is on the fence about getting involved in something like this to DO IT!  I loved it so much and hope that all of you get the chance to help your fellow man, especially those that are in great need.

Read more here

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Matt is a phlebotomist, with his CNA license and is studying Pre-Med at University of Utah
Matt's can be found here:
Blog:  http://matt-goes-to-india.blogspot.com
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/matt.grover.180

All photos courtesy of Shane Marryot