Becky Douglas
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Becky Douglas | |
|---|---|
| Born | Rebecca Ann Peterson 16 June 1952 |
| Citizenship | American |
| Alma mater | Queens University of Charlotte |
| Occupation | Philanthropy |
| Organization | Rising Star Outreach |
| Known for | founding Rising Star Outreach |
| Spouse | John Douglas |
| Awards |
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| Website | https://risingstaroutreach.org/ |
Rebecca Ann Peterson Douglas (born 16 June 1952) aka Becky Douglas is an American philanthropist and the founder of Rising Star Outreach, a nonprofit organization with the aim to support individuals and communities in India affected by leprosy.[1][2][3]
Early life and education
[edit]Douglas was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah[4] and attended Queens College on a full scholarship for violin performance.[5]
Rising Star Outreach
[edit]Following the death of her daughter Amber, Douglas founded Rising Star Outreach in 2001.[6] The organization operates in India with a mission to support leprosy-affected communities. It offers medical care by utilizing mobile clinics and forming partnerships with local hospitals, thereby addressing the physical ailments and social stigma associated with leprosy.[7][8] Rising Star Outreach also focuses on colony development, which includes improving infrastructure such as clean water and electricity access, alongside fostering economic independence through micro-loans. And also, the organization runs educational programs for children from these communities, providing essential resources to help break the cycle of poverty and stigma.[9][10][11]
Media coverage and recognition
[edit]- Featured in PBS documentaries Breaking the Curse and LIFT - Connecting Humanity - minute 12:30.[12]
- Interviewed on platforms including BBC,[13] BYU TV[14] and LDS Living.[15]
- Covered in newspapers like The Atlanta Journal-Constitution[16] and Gulf News[2]for her leadership and advocacy
- Gracie Award for the PBS documentary[17] that featured her founding Rising Star Outreach
- Classic Woman Award from Traditional Home magazine[18]
Personal life
[edit]Douglas is married to John Douglas on August 16, 1974, in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints church ceremony. The couples have 10 children, including 3 adopted, and 23 grandchildren. They live in Peachtree Corners, Georgia.[5]
Douglas is active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and is a teacher in her local Relief Society. Elder D. Todd Christofferson described her efforts as "one shining example ... of ministry to severely disadvantaged children."[9]
References
[edit]- ^ "See how these LDS activists became 'anxiously engaged' in good causes". The Salt Lake Tribune. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ a b Douglas, Becky (2008-08-14). "Rising Star Outreach". Gulf News (Interview). Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ "Leprosy Relief Non-Profit Founder to Speak at Devotional Dec. 9 | Southern Virginia University News". Retrieved 2025-01-29.
- ^ "New mission presidents". Church News. 2012-04-14. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ a b Townsend, Carole (2016-02-09). "Blind date leads to 41 years of marriage". Gwinnett Citizen. Retrieved 2025-01-06.
- ^ magazine, STANFORD (2011-05-01). "Against Leprosy--and Stigma". stanfordmag.org. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
- ^ Armstrong, Jamie (2023-07-12). "Helping Leprosy Victims in India: How One Mom Turned a Personal Tragedy into Her Life's Work". Good News Utah. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
- ^ Moses, Alyssa K. "Spreading Love in India's Leprosy Colonies". Y Magazine. Retrieved 2025-01-29.
- ^ a b Christofferson, D. Todd (2023-10-20). "Honoring the Creator". The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ "LIFTING THOSE WITH LEPROSY". Rising Star Outreach. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ "Cake mixing cheer by Marriott with 'rising stars'". The New Indian Express. 2022-11-25. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ LIFT - Connecting Humanity. Maryland Public Television. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ Douglas, Becky. "Soul Music - Series 22 - Bring Him Home". BBC Sounds (Interview). 2m37. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ Douglas, Becky. "Inspiring Stories 1". BYU TV (Interview). Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ Douglas, Becky (2021-02-04). "After losing her daughter, how helping thousands with leprosy in India led this mother to healing". LDS Living (Interview). Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ "Becky Douglas". Atlanta Journal Constitution. Retrieved 2024-11-26 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "2008 Gracies Winners". Alliance for Women in Media. 2016-10-19. Retrieved 2024-11-26.
- ^ Douglas, Becky (2008-11-13). Classic Woman Award Winner-Becky Douglas. Traditional Home. Retrieved 2025-01-30 – via YouTube.