About Rising Star Outreach of India
Rising Star Outreach of India is a non-profit organization that has been working since 2001 to support individuals and families affected by leprosy. Their mission is to help people overcome the stigma and challenges associated with the disease and to live dignified, empowered lives.
Their approach to tackling leprosy is built on three core pillars:
1. Medical Care – Providing access to quality medical treatment for those affected by leprosy, aiming to prevent and treat the disease as well as its complications.
2. Education – Offering children from leprosy-affected communities’ opportunities for high-quality education to break the cycle of poverty and stigma.
3. Community Development – Supporting sustainable community initiatives that foster independence, economic self-sufficiency, and social reintegration. By addressing the issue from multiple angles—health, education, and community—Rising Star Outreach of India works to not only treat leprosy but also to dismantle the deep-rooted social stigmas and barriers that keep affected individuals marginalized. Their holistic model aims to bring lasting transformation to entire communities across India.
OUR VISION
At Rising Star Outreach of India, we envision a future where the devastating impact of leprosy is not only treated but fully overcome. Our comprehensive, three-pronged strategy—focused on healthcare, education, and community development—tackles the root causes that allow leprosy to persist, despite being a curable disease.
This holistic approach is designed to create lasting transformation, empowering individuals and families to rise above the stigma and limitations imposed by leprosy and build healthy, productive lives.
To date, we’ve touched over 200 leprosy-affected colonies across 9 states in India. Our vision is to expand the full impact of our threefold model to all of these colonies—and beyond—fostering sustainable change for generations to come.
EDUCATION
We are committed to establishing and strengthening educational programs for children living in leprosy colonies and surrounding areas. By promoting equality, inclusion, and confidence in the next generation, we aim to break the cycle of stigma and poverty. Quality education empowers children to uphold their dignity and opens doors to brighter, more promising futures.
MEDICAL CARE
Through mobile clinics and strategic partnerships with local hospitals and healthcare professionals, we provide essential medical services—including dental care, vision support, mobility aids, and comprehensive health screenings. Early diagnosis and timely treatment of leprosy are key components of our medical outreach, ensuring that affected individuals receive the care they need to heal and thrive.
COMMUNITY
We work to enhance infrastructure and foster long-term development within leprosy-affected colonies. Our efforts support improved living conditions, increased economic productivity, and greater self-reliance. By empowering individuals and families, we help build resilient communities with the tools to sustain progress for generations.
Rising Star Outreach has impacted 200 colonies across 9 states inIndia through at least one of these programs.
Our goal is to bring our full three-pronged approach to those 200 colonies and more.
Advisory Board Members
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Mr. Sakthivel Venkataraman, Chairman, RSOI
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Mrs. Padma Venkataraman, Board member, RSOI
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Dr. V. Seetha, Board member, RSOI
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Ms. Rebecca Douglas, Founder/President – Rising Star Outreach, USA
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Ms. Christine Cronquist, Chairman, Rising Star Outreach, USA.
Assets
Fifteen and a half acres of land near Uthiramerur in Southern India; school building with all infrastructure; office building; health center; boys and girls hostels; kitchen and dining hall; several sports fields for the children; staff and visitor quarters; vans; cars; commercial and domestic washing machines; computers and printers.
A new sponsorship program like you have never seen before!
This revamp into the STARS program (Sponsor To A Rising Star) is an enhanced experience for both students and sponsors and will allow for a more enriching and rewarding sponsorship.
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New and exciting blind survey match up process
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A hands on envelope reveal of the match up results
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Mentoring with students through live video chats
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New welcome box experience for first time sponsors
Sponsors and students can expect a friendship and cultural journey they will never forget.