My wish is to have each child on our campus fully sponsored, with extra support coming in as well. I would love to see my, "Children Needing Sponsors" board empty! For my personal life my wish is to always do good and make a positive difference in the lives around me, but... the country, adventuresome side of me will tell you that my everlasting wish is to visit every country, national park in America, learn how to whittle and play the harmonica. Deep down though, I know my true wish is to eventually fulfill my life long desire and goal of blowing up a red balloon. 

Before joining Rising Star Outreach I've usually have been a bit weary of most charities, especially ones that want you to sponsor a child. One of the questions that usually rise is: are these children real or is this just a gimmick? I did not know now much about Rising Star Outreach, nor have I heard about it before Amy Humphrey contacted me. I did learn that Rising Star Outreach had child sponsor program; however, while interviewing with Amy for my position, I learned that Rising Star Outreach has a campus in India for educating children. The campus is also used as a home base to go out to other colonies to provide medical care of those affected by leprosy. My about question about the children of Rising Star Outreach was answered: they are real. You can see videos of them and the campus on our website and on YouTube. Providing for the education and boarding of the children on campus is made possible because of child sponsorships and other donations the organization has received.

Since joining Rising Star Outreach, I feel blessed to be a part an organization that facilities the care of those in need. There are a lot of people in need in various parts of the world, India being one them. Rising Star Outreach's initiatives serve those in need. Some of the fruits of Rising Star Outreach's work are the campus, the education of children of those affected by leprosy, and the medical treatment for those affected by leprosy. I am proud to be a part of Rising Star Outreach and, in a small way, be a part of this great cause and mission.

--Karl Prince

My heart was truly touched by the mission of Rising Star Outreach, and then my wife and I felt that this was where we needed to be at this time in our lives. My first official day of work involved  jumping on a plane to India to experience the full breadth of the work we do there. The next week changed me forever, but the most impressive part of that experience for me was realizing that virtually everyone involved with this organization feels privileged and honored to be a part of this special work. What we do is full of challenges because the work is centered on people and involves so many people. But what I love to see is that even at the end of the day, when a volunteer or staff member can talk about the challenges and hard things that they had to deal with that day, they always seem to radiate when they also talk about the highlights of their experiences and how meaningful their involvement is to them.

I soon found my way to India as the medical  long term coordinator. I served throughout the weeks in the leprosy colonies.  I would return to the volunteer hostel wishing I could only do more. It was an honor to work with those affected by leprosy. I wanted to serve, completely, selflessly, but I couldn't help returning from the colonies and not feel as though it benefited even more. I was filled with gratitude, acutely aware of others needs, compassionate, and constantly felt like I wanted to give the world a hug. Yes the world, and I would start with the patients of the leprosy colonies.                                                                                                             Shortly after my time with the people of India an opportunity to continue serving them presented. I was thrilled to put it mildly. I now am fortunate enough to work alongside the very people who make this program possible. I am reminded daily of the power if individuals across the world, and look forward to the changes for good we can and will accomplish individually and together. To those skeptical of my world changing hugs: "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has."-Margaret Mead

Volunteer Program Manager

 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 not to notice or even approached in curiosity.  It was because I was different from so many. It wasn't a big deal, it was just the way it was.

I remember when I would have to do reports for health or science classes, I was always drawn to leprosy. In my ignorance, I did not know it was still an issue as I always saw it as a disease from the movie Ten Commandments and other biblical stories. I even used it sarcastically to describe myself. It took years for me to finally understand more about the disease and those that suffer from it.

Callie and Julie

Julie Domm, my best friend and roommate at the time, attended a speaking engagement done by Becky Douglas.  Julie was so moved that she sponsored a child.  I remember when the Christmas ornament with little Hari's picture came and we hung it on the tree.  A few short months later she had the desire to serve in India. Within days she was making arrangements to quit her job and move to India for 6 months!  I was so proud of her, she was so brave.  A video documentary was sent from the office and we watched it together, I was fascinated and troubled all at the same time.

There was a comment in the video that hit me, "they are untouchable."  Untouchable... that was a powerful word for me.  People have always been fascinated or afraid of me, which often left me - untouched. I didn't realize this was different until I had a set of roommates in college that were so loving and were always touching me and hugging me, it changed me.

Rani and Callie

Saroja and Callie

When I heard that there was an entire population, over 700 colonies of people that were left with feeling that they were "untouchable", "unclean", "cursed from God" I knew I couldn't stand by and let people feel that alone and unwanted. It became my mission to love them, what I did not expect was the love they gave me, the acceptance and the concern they showed me in the colonies.  Often they were confused at why this American girl was missing a limb like to many of them, they cried and blessed me and hugged me and took me to meet their family.  I helped them with their shoes and walked them home, hugging and touching them and showing them the love they deserve.  They are the reason that I work with Rising Star Outreach and that I care so much about what I do.  A person suffering whether they are in my country or another is a person suffering.  I want to be a person that will help another in need and through Rising Star Outreach and because of my friend Julie, I can be that person everyday.

Callie and Miskin from Villivakkam

Callie and Panasamy (the Barber)

A hug from Thiyagarajan

Before I left for India my Mom said something I will never forget, "Callie, I am afraid for you to go, but I am more afraid of you not going." She knew that I needed this experience and that it would forever change my path.

When I take pictures of out patients and students and I see the love, trust and hope in their eyes I know that we have done something right. Their smiles, successes, and hard work make every sacrifice worth it. I am blessed to be with Rising Star Outreach and I am forever changed by our patients and students and staff that work so hard every day.  I believe our volunteer theme for the year  - Together we are more!
--Callie Reagan
Director of Programs and Outreach

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 that food, clothing, shelter, education, employment, and access to health-care are not always afforded everyone. Coming from a family that did not have very much, I learned to be thankful for what I do have, and, where much is given, much is expected. 

           “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.”

The kids celebrated the holiday season with a day long party this year. The Saturday's activities were exhausting but thrilling for the staff and volunteers. Sponsporship Coordinator Emily Wilson was the leader in coordinating donations and stocking for all the kids. No child was left out and so many helpers showed their love this holiday with little items that meant the world to each of the kids. Lily Simpson had this to say about the event:

(left to right) Padmini, Lily, Urvasi

Thank you to all who have made this celebration a day that they will remember. Thank you to those that Sponsor each of these kids and provide for them all year long with education, food and shelter as well as knowledge that they have supporters that love them. 

Thank you and happy holidays to all our supporters. We love you and together we are lifting those with leprosy.

Dr Susan, Ms. Padma Venkatraman and Pres. Sally Read

Rising Star Outreach