I've always felt that it is important for people to know that they can change the world. I think everyone deserves to know that they have the ability to be and become the individual they want to be.  Rising Star Outreach encompasses that. The organization empowers, educates, lifts, and is sustained and driven forward by the very people that it is assisting. Klorisa...

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 I feel that I have had a lifetime of preparation for working with Rising Star Outreach.  I was born with a congenital amputation of my right arm just below the elbow.  It has never really bothered me even though I knew I was different from others.  People would stare and point and sometime they would cry and run away in fear. Others pretended...

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Rising Star Outreach is proud to release the first of a series of videos talking about the work and history of Rising Star Outreach. We need each of you to #share the video, #repost, and #like so we can get the message that leprosy is a disease that is still out there and most importantly, CURABLE. A special thanks to our talented photographers:...

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Fourteen years ago Becky Douglas, a suburban housewife from Atlanta started a journey that would changer her life – and the lives of thousands of others. Her unique story is a tale of triumph combined with moments of tears and distress. With the assistance of her loving family, trusting friends and her faith in God, Becky Douglas was able to accomplish what many...

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At the age of 19, I had a strong desire to make a difference. After researching many organizations to volunteer with, I heard of Rising Star Outreach through a friend. I went straight to the website and read about their mission and programs. What originally drew me to their volunteer program was that I wouldn't have to choose what kind of work I...

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I grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and attended schools that were very diverse in culture (Hispanic, Indian, Pakistani, Korean, Chinese, Japanese, and African-American). I learned very quickly that no matter what your origin, people are all the same. We all expect to be noticed, respected, and loved. We all have families, lives, ambitions, challenges, and fears. I also learned at a young age...

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Rising Star Outreach has used hygeine and sanitation as one of the first line of defense against the spread of disease and overall health in the leprosy colonies. Partnering with companies like the Courtyard Marriott and DePuy in India, we have together educated the hundreds children attending the Peery Matriculation School and their communities they come from.  Teaching them proper oral health care...

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The volunteers this session really seemed to love the medical rotation! We were able to visit the A.S Nagar and Gandhi colonies, as well as Bethel Nagar and Vandalur. Since A.S Nagar and Gandhi colonies are so small, the volunteers really felt like they got to know the patients and bond with them as they helped with their wound care. One woman in...

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Ever since I was 15 years old I've wanted to travel to India. My ostensible passion for the country came from my AP Human Geography class where we studied India’s culture, religion, and social systems. But if I’m being honest, I fell in love with India because I fell in love with an Indian boy. Ridiculous, I know, but very true. My point...

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The last few weeks have been amazing. This second session we have only a small group of volunteers, but that doesn't mean it’s less fun. All the volunteers are inspirational and contribute to Rising Star Outreach in their own way. Because it’s a smaller session all the coordinators get the chance to see the other rotations. And so far I like them all....

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Volunteers with Navamani on Medical  This session we were able to go to Sri Ramachandra hospital with some of the leprosy patients and kids from the school. The volunteers were a little bit apprehensive at first, because it was their first time in an Indian hospital, and they didn't really know what they were in for. The patients and students know the drill...

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Maurine has been chosen as the Session #2 change agent, but lucky for us, she has been with us since Session #1. We have loved having her on campus and really wish we could keep her longer. Her spunky personality, creativity and mad teaching skills have been touching the people of India since June.  Maurine is a professional science teacher hailing from Atlanta,...

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This video is from talented Ember Hobi who has done so many amazing videos for Rising Star Outreach.  This one is so cute and will have you dancing along in no time.  Check out these kids and she is right, "Rising Star Volunteers: You are Remembered in India!" -- Ember Hobi Posted January 5, 2013 Volunteer Today! ...

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Most people view leprosy as a disease that is not found in the United States, we wanted to share this article from kwbu.org last week that talks about its existence in our own country.  You will notice that the stigma we see in India is still felt right here at home. Original Article HERE By JOY DIAZ Originally published on Mon July 7, 2014...

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Saturday, July 12th, was Parent's Day on campus. The children were so excited all week, looking forward to Saturday with great anticipation. On Friday, kids were excitedly telling the volunteers, "My mom is coming tomorrow!" On Saturday morning, all the children were dressed in their very best and gathered on the school lawn. The parents are no less excited as they stream out...

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