“Change begins with an idea, a hope, a dream, an individual. It can begin with you.”
                                                                                                                Deepak Chopra

“No one has done more than Amy Antonelli to create the miracle that has become Rising Star Outreach! She came to us early on when we were still a fledgling organization. She helped define our goals and programs. She brought tremendous talent and enthusiasm. She put in place more professional ways of reaching out to others and getting our message out to the world. Amy had the vision and experience that we needed.  She worked tirelessly and passionately to improve the lives of the leprosy-affected and their children.  She had a particular passion and great love for the children, and guided our programs to improve their education and living conditions.  Many caught her enthusiasm and she oversaw phenomenal growth during her years as our Executive Director.  Rising Star will always have a debt of gratitude to Amy for her vision that helped define who we would become.”

Amy’s passion endeared us to Rising Star Outreach and was so contagious that I brought another 40 volunteers back to Rising Star the following year! How fortunate I am to have been involved in this wonderful organization since that time. Thank you, Amy, for filling so many pages of the Rising Star Outreach story. Your legacy lives on.

Rebecca Young, India Sponsorship Program Director, shares frequent updates about the students, their parents, and other happenings at Rising Star. You can read personal stories and blogs from volunteers and how their lives have been changed through their experiences. You can meet Change Agents like Maurine Westover and see photos of how these Change Agents are enriching the lives of many—especially their own! Best of all you can view the latest photos and videos of the students!

Dr. Vijayalakshmi

Becky Douglas and Padma Venkatraman

Sujatha and Sally Read Sujatha will be attending a teacher's college.

           “As I looked around at the faces of the volunteers as they dug latrines, or put oil on foot wounds, or taught in the computer lab, I realized they were in essence storing up 'good vibes' to help them navigate the murky waters young adults often face. They may never return to the Rising Star campus, but they will take with them its positive impact!            I have never talked to a Rising Star volunteer who hasn't been excited about their time in India—last year or six years ago—the mention of Rising Star always brings enthusiastic bursts and exclamations, never mediocre or negative comments. I am personally acquainted with a young man who registered for an online dating service and after reading numerous profiles his attention was drawn to one profile because the registrant mentioned she had volunteered with Rising Star. As he told me later, he wanted to know her better mainly because she was associated with Rising Star.
            Volunteers wrap up their stay at Rising Star and then scatter throughout the world to homes, educational facilities, missions, etc.  BUT what they learn while they are at Rising Star—the glimpses they had into how lives really can change and how alike we are as human beings—these things accompany them wherever they go.  They are like welcome traveling companions of hope and love.
            In this age of cynicism and doubt, Rising Star is an organization that can be trusted. Its ideals and mission are a message to a weary and jaded world that service is meaningful, that each life has value, and that the world can really become a better place to live.”