- Wednesday, December 30, 2015
- 0 Comments
Thanks to all who have stepped up to empower Rising Star Outreach to respond to the needs of those afflicted by the recent flooding and monsoons in Tamil Nadu!
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| Dr. Susan oversees the distribution of rice |
In addition, this past week Dr Susan reports the following
activities that they were able to do because of the support of generous donors
who responded to the call:
- Flood Relief Camp was conducted in Thotanaval, Sadichivakam, Vadathavur, Allenchery, and Senthankulam villages around Rising Star. 249 patients benefited from the camp.
- 166 patients and students participated in the flood relief camp held in Venkatapuram Leprosy Colony and Gnanodaya School.
- 201 patients attended the flood relief camp conducted at Pudhupattu.
- Conducted a flood relief camp in partnership with Pfizer and Americares at Irunagutukottai Gate and 250 patients attended the camp. On the same day a parallel camp was conducted in Malaipalayam near Madurantagam Lake which overflowed and flooded the village, where 353 patients were benefitted.
- At Thandalam village patients visited our flood relief camp and at Satthammai village patients were present to receive the medical consultation and flood relief.
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| Rising Star at the scene |
Now the work of restoration and rebuilding will commence.
Thank you for your outpouring of love and support at this critical time of
need! May your holidays be bright and merry, and may you be blessed as you have
blessed these tender souls in India.
Sincerely,
- Monday, December 28, 2015
- 1 Comments
Sponsor-a-Child Spotlight: Ginny and Surya
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| "Sometimes the world seems like a scary place. But just knowing I have a little friend halfway across the world makes me feel better. I guess I think of Surya more as a friend, than a child I sponsor." |
Ginny is a teacher,
and grandmother, and a world traveler. She says her goal is: “To make the world a better place.”
Surya is a very active and talkative little boy who loves to get to know volunteers. He is happy to be at Rising Star with his brother, Karthik Raja who is in 6th Standard. Surya loves to color and draw and his favorite thing is playing soccer with all the boys his age. One day, all on his own, Surya painted pictures for each of his sponsors and carefully sounded out each name the best he could. He is so sweet and thoughtful.
Surya is a very active and talkative little boy who loves to get to know volunteers. He is happy to be at Rising Star with his brother, Karthik Raja who is in 6th Standard. Surya loves to color and draw and his favorite thing is playing soccer with all the boys his age. One day, all on his own, Surya painted pictures for each of his sponsors and carefully sounded out each name the best he could. He is so sweet and thoughtful.
When asked about
her experience sponsoring Surya R., Ginny had the following to say:
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| Surya |
I am a teacher. I know the value of a good
education. I understand how important it is for children to have someone
to support them in their education; morally, financially, emotionally.
When two of my most trusted friends became involved with Rising Star, I
couldn't pass up the opportunity to help a child gain a good education.
I didn't really choose a child to sponsor. How could I pick one out of so many
wonderful children? So I asked to be given a child who needed a sponsor.
That's how I came to be a sponsor for Surya.
I thoroughly enjoy the letters and artwork
(especially the colorful pictures) Surya sends to me. I keep his photo and his
artwork on my refrigerator, next to that of my grandkids. I try to paint a
little picture of my life in America in the letters I write to him and I share
some of the things he tells me about his life in India with my grandkids.
I hope I'm building a bridge between their two worlds.
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| "I thoroughly enjoy the letters and artwork (especially the colorful pictures) Surya sends to me." |
Sometimes
the world seems like a scary place. But just knowing I have a little
friend halfway across the world makes me feel better. I guess I think of
Surya more as a friend, than a child I sponsor.
About our Sponsorship Coordinator
Rachel is currently a student at Brigham Young University and is pursuing a Bachelors degree in Recreation Management, with an emphasis in Nonprofit Business
Questions about the Sponsor-a-Child program?
Email Rachel: rmoon@risingstaroutreach.org
- Monday, December 14, 2015
- 2 Comments
December 2015 President's Letter: Historic Opening of Higher Secondary School Celebrated
The word “up”, despite its length and simplicity seems to deliver a powerful message of optimism, improvement, and advancement. At Rising Star Outreach we strive to help people up. In some cases taking them literally up out of the dirt, up off of the streets, up from a place of poverty and degradation, and up to new horizons, new opportunities, and renewed hope for a brighter future ahead.
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| Biology Class with 11th Standard |
On November 5, we opened a Higher Secondary School to educate children through standards 11 and 12 on the campus of Rising Star Outreach!
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| Inaugural Ceremony |
We have hoped for and looked forward to this day with great anticipation, and celebrate the wonderful events that have transpired to make it a possibility. This is not just an advancement in opportunity for these young people, but a step up for all of Rising Star Outreach. Having a higher secondary school as part of our complement of educational opportunities advances and enhances the prominence and prestige of the Peery Matriculation School.
While most of our former students are now studying in standards 11 and 12, and will complete their studies at other fine institutions in Tamil Nadu, we are grateful to welcome ten optimistic young students into the class of 2017.
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| Our new 11th Standard class |
Monsoon Relief Fund
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| Monsoon waters hit southern India |
On a separate note, November has been a remarkably heavy month of monsoons in southern India. In addition to all of the other wonderful ways you help us, if you are in such a position, we invite you to consider adding a gift this year to our Monsoon Relief Fund. This fund is enabling our Indian team to respond to the various needs in diverse colonies, to help them up as they recover from an exceptionally heavy season of rains and flooding.
Please go to our Gift Guide and consider adding some additional support this year for Monsoon Relief.
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| Rising Star Outreach relief aid |
This special holiday season gives us another chance to pause and thank each of you for your help as we LIFT the leprosy affected, ELEVATE our students, and RAISE the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of so many who have so little but can become so much.
Thank you for being part of this wonderful mission that is moving UP!
Sincerely,
Tyler
- Tuesday, December 01, 2015
- 0 Comments
Special Message: Southern India has been battered by rains in recent days and weeks, and the colonies we serve are in various states of need. Dr. Susan and her team are out assessing those needs and ensuring that those we serve have the food, medicines, and shelter they need. Your generosity will increase our capacity to respond during this natural disaster. Please consider donating towards Monsoon Relief Aid this holiday season
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I’ve learned, like these impressive examples in India already know, that gratitude is more than something that is nice to have. It’s more than a theme for a Thanksgiving-time blog post. It’s something that can change your life, your entire attitude, your happiness. Gratitude is powerful. It is healing. Gratitude shifts us from thinking about ourselves and what we want or need, to thinking about others. Gratitude doesn’t mean we’re happy with our circumstances, but it does lead to greater happiness, no matter what our circumstances.
This is Appu. He lives in a leprosy colony, doesn’t walk very well, and can’t speak. However, he seemed happier than most people who have perfect health. When we played music, he was one of the most enthusiastic dancers. It’s clear he didn’t dwell on what he doesn’t have, but is grateful for what he does have.
People like Appu are not hard to find in the leprosy colonies. Look at these smiles.
Time after time, I was amazed at how they were able to look past their struggles and find joy. “How do they choose happiness in such conditions?” I pondered. I’ve since learned that gratitude is one of the powerful secrets they utilize to find happiness.
I was pregnant the entire time I was in India, and just over a month after coming back to the U.S., our baby boy came way too early. He was perfect, just premature. He died within minutes of being born. It’s been the deepest sorrow we’ve ever known. I’ve had many moments feeling like I can’t be happy again. Then I remember the blessings I do have. It changes everything. It slows the tears. How can I be angry or depressed when I realize all I have to be grateful for?
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I’ve learned, like these impressive examples in India already know, that gratitude is more than something that is nice to have. It’s more than a theme for a Thanksgiving-time blog post. It’s something that can change your life, your entire attitude, your happiness. Gratitude is powerful. It is healing. Gratitude shifts us from thinking about ourselves and what we want or need, to thinking about others. Gratitude doesn’t mean we’re happy with our circumstances, but it does lead to greater happiness, no matter what our circumstances.
What RSO volunteer doesn’t come home with vows to be forever grateful for their many blessings? The problem is remembering that vow of gratitude after a few comfortable months back home--when lives of health and prosperity seem so normal that we take it all for granted. Here’s to choosing Thanksgiving every day, which is also choosing happiness.
The people we met in India are living proof that we can always be grateful. It’s easy to be grateful when life is going our way, but I encourage each of us to push ourselves to be grateful in every circumstance. Gratitude will overcome disappointments and despair. It will surpass bitterness and pain.
As one of the coordinators this summer, it was my job each night to lead “highs and lows” at the dinner table. Each volunteer would reflect on their day and share a high and low moment. After lots of practice in reflecting, on the last night of each session I’d ask each volunteer to share something they would take home with them--a lesson they wouldn’t forget from their time in India
Many volunteers shared that they will go home more grateful. Something about being a volunteer in India makes you more grateful for things like hot showers, air conditioning, unlimited food options, toilets that flush toilet paper, and drinkable tap water--things that we maybe didn’t remember to write down on our list of blessings before we lived in India. Like many of the volunteers shared, one of the greatest lessons I’ve brought home from India is that we can be grateful in any circumstance.
Many volunteers shared that they will go home more grateful. Something about being a volunteer in India makes you more grateful for things like hot showers, air conditioning, unlimited food options, toilets that flush toilet paper, and drinkable tap water--things that we maybe didn’t remember to write down on our list of blessings before we lived in India. Like many of the volunteers shared, one of the greatest lessons I’ve brought home from India is that we can be grateful in any circumstance.
Time after time, I was amazed at how they were able to look past their struggles and find joy. “How do they choose happiness in such conditions?” I pondered. I’ve since learned that gratitude is one of the powerful secrets they utilize to find happiness.
- Thursday, November 26, 2015
- 0 Comments
The giving season has officially started. If you are stuck on a gift for a friend, family member or another loved one, consider the gift of Charity.Gift Guide items have been carefully selected and asked for by our team in India, who have assessed the needs of those in the colonies. Options range from nutrition drinks to help with health in the lean months of the year where its hard to get the nutrients needed. You can donate for a patient's month supply for only $30.
A $25 donation well supply a colony with Rice, and $50 will give a leprosy patient the freedom of movement.
Even a small gift of $8 will help our patients with a bucket shower set including a towel. Personal hygiene is one of the main factors of disease control, you will be giving a gift of health.
Or donate a goat for a microbusiness for $45. This is a gift of being self-sufficient, you are helping an individual with a business that will provide day after day.
Rising Star Outreach thanks all of our donors
from this year and from years past.
We have helped so many because you care.
- Thursday, November 19, 2015
- 0 Comments
Sponsor-A-Child Spotlight: Nicole sponsors Suvitha
Nicole is from Washington, D.C., but now lives in London with her husband. She volunteered in India in 2008 and started sponsoring Suvitha shortly after returning home.
Suvitha is an angel. She has a strong desire to learn and a very long attention span. Her gentle ways draw the other children in and she is very loyal. When she first arrived at Rising Star Outreach, she was very shy and withdrawn, but now, Suvitha often has lots of energy. Her favorite game is Hide and Seek,where she is always running around and laughing.
What made you pledge to sponsor Suvitha?
I visited RSO in June 2008 with my family and Suvitha was one of the girls I met. I knew I wanted to sponsor someone, and she was on the list! I lit up when I saw that I could sponsor someone I had personally met.
I love seeing letters and updates come in from Suvitha. I can see that with each letter she is learning and growing, and I really get a sense of her personality. Her letters are so heartfelt and genuine, and I know that must be how she is at school with her teachers and peers.
"[Service] makes you look outside of yourself, knowing that this tiny sacrifice makes the world of difference for someone."
Nicole is from Washington, D.C., but now lives in London with her husband. She volunteered in India in 2008 and started sponsoring Suvitha shortly after returning home.
Suvitha is an angel. She has a strong desire to learn and a very long attention span. Her gentle ways draw the other children in and she is very loyal. When she first arrived at Rising Star Outreach, she was very shy and withdrawn, but now, Suvitha often has lots of energy. Her favorite game is Hide and Seek,where she is always running around and laughing.
What made you pledge to sponsor Suvitha?I visited RSO in June 2008 with my family and Suvitha was one of the girls I met. I knew I wanted to sponsor someone, and she was on the list! I lit up when I saw that I could sponsor someone I had personally met.
How did your volunteer experience change the way you felt about Sponsoring Suvitha?
I volunteered before I became a sponsor, so having that experience and knowledge made me understand what my contribution would provide. I knew it could give Suvitha school supplies, healthy food, game equipment, music, comfortable uniforms to grow with her, a bed to sleep on, and other needs I wouldn't have ever known about if I hadn't been a volunteer. My favorite activities while I volunteered were reading to the children and watching them play cricket. I know firsthand what helps them grow, what makes them happy, and what brings them joy
Why are programs like Sponsor-a-Child so important?
I think that in everything, no matter what you support, being able to offer something of yourself not only helps them but helps you. It makes you look outside of yourself and, knowing that this tiny sacrifice makes the world of difference for someone like Suvitha. It's easy to take for granted the things we're blessed with just because of where and when we were born, and giving back and being a sponsor makes me rethink that on a monthly basis.
How has sponsoring Suvitha affected you and your family?
I love seeing letters and updates come in from Suvitha. I can see that with each letter she is learning and growing, and I really get a sense of her personality. Her letters are so heartfelt and genuine, and I know that must be how she is at school with her teachers and peers.
What is the most meaningful part of the Sponsor-a-Child program?
Knowing that just $30 a month makes all the difference to someone like Suvitha. It means that she can have the opportunities she otherwise wouldn't have. It means that a little girl in India can learn and get the same opportunities as a boy from a bigger city. Rising Star Outreach makes a huge difference to her, and I'm happy to be part of that too.
About our Sponsorship Coordinator
Rachel is currently a student at Brigham Young University and is pursuing a Bachelors degree in Recreation Management, with an emphasis in Nonprofit Business
Questions about the Sponsor-a-Child program?
Email Rachel: rmoon@risingstaroutreach.org
- Tuesday, November 10, 2015
- 0 Comments
"It is remarkable to see so many students believe in themselves and to give their very best."
November President's Letter
This month we had a remarkable TEN Rising Star Outreach
students celebrate victories in various district and zonal athletic
competitions! We hear from our Physical Education teacher that we are
developing quite the reputation in the local athletics arena, where teams will
vocally lament our very appearance at the competition.
While athletic accomplishments do not represent our highest
aspirations for these young people, we commend their hard work and we celebrate
their belief in themselves. Historically, children in their situations have
been written off as bringing no value to their society. Thus, it is remarkable
to see so many students at Rising Star Outreach who have learned to believe in
themselves and to give their very best. We are so grateful for their successes
and public recognition. 
As you may know, these children are also excellent at
winning hearts! Our long-standing partnership with the Marriott Hotels
throughout India was acknowledged recently with a visit from the general
managers of many of these properties. They celebrated with the children,
presented a gift of support, and offered several services. Their kindness and generosity
made us all feel like winners again!
On the other side of the globe, Rising Star Outreach had the
privilege to participate in the first ever Give Salt Lake event. The event
involved a Pitch Competition where participants vied for generous support from
the Forever Young Foundation. We were honored to be selected from the six
remarkable charities in the International/Rescue session as the winner of the
Judge's Choice Award. We thank the Forever Young Foundation, the Give Salt Lake
organizers, the judges, and everyone who believed in us!
As many of you take time this month to reflect on all that
you are grateful for, please know that we are grateful for you. Feeling like a
winner is such a rewarding experience, and your generosity and support help us
to feel like winners everyday!
Sincerely,
Tyler
- Tuesday, November 03, 2015
- 0 Comments
"You really do become your best self when you put other's people needs ahead of your own."
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'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
- Tuesday, October 27, 2015
- 0 Comments
Rising Star Outreach was honored to be invited to the inaugural Give Salt Lake
pitch competition this week, and we were thrilled to walk away a Big Winner!
Our thanks to the Forever Young Foundation and the other event organizers and
sponsors, and to the judges for selecting us as the Judge's Choice winner of a $7,500 award!
Tyler Vigue had 4 minutes to "pitch" Rising Star
Outreach and a few additional minutes to answer questions. He was honored to
share the stage with many other remarkable organizations doing fantastic things, both in Utah and throughout the world. We were one of six non-profits in the "International Aid/Rescue category", where
three prizes were available. The "Judges' Choice" was the top prize!
We look forward to putting this gift to good use to bless
lives and continue to improve the way that we run our operation.
And thinking about winning, thank YOU for helping us in this great work! Real winning is
knowing that you have friends who believe in you and are willing to sacrifice
for your good. Your service and giving make real
winners out of those we serve in India.
There is still so
much more we aspire to do and we can't do it without this wonderful support.
Please know how vital your support is and please know how grateful we are to
you!
- Friday, October 16, 2015
- 2 Comments
I hear about how she is doing in school, and apparently she isn't the shy little one I met there a year ago. She's vibrant and growing so quickly… Overall sponsoring my kids makes me happy. I love hearing from them. It reminds me of India, of the experience of a lifetime, and of the many things I learned while I stayed there. India taught me how to love unconditionally – but also how to receive love. Sure, when I sponsor my kids, I'm helping to provide them with a promising future. But it all honesty, as cheesy as it sounds, I feel like I benefit the most.”
Learn more about International Day of the Girl Child here
- Friday, October 09, 2015
- 0 Comments
