® An Appeal from Phylicia Rashad Dear Friend of PRASAD, Thank you for your generous support. I am writing to show you how your generosity is bringing PRASAD’s vision to life. In 1992, despite grinding poverty, environmental degradation and rampant disease in the Tansa Valley, The PRASAD Project envisioned a future of "...healthy communities, prospering in harmony with the natural environment, where people are inspired to improve the quality of their own and others’ lives.” A generation later, that bright future is here. I am glad to report that 2013 has been a wonderful year of goals attained and challenges overcome. As PRASAD serves a second generation of families, food security, environmentalism, education and women’s empowerment are priorities. When we connect harmoniously with nature, we also connect with abundance. One of our primary achievements is to help the farmers of the Tansa Valley make that vital connection. PRASAD Chikitsa's Orchard Project, Farmers’ Clubs and Second Crop Initiative were the first stepping-stones toward a healthy agrarian economy. As a member of the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI), The PRASAD Project is sponsoring a farming program to amplify that cultural shift toward organic farming and environmentalism. PRASAD's Commitments to Action with CGI were prominently featured during the 2013 CGI Annual Meeting. At the meeting in New York City, Dr. Cecilia Escarra, Executive Director of The PRASAD Project, met former Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton. Doing What Matters Most As promised in 2012, PRASAD Chikitsa began bringing new sources of clean water to parched villages by working with TATA Motors, Inc. of India to drill new wells. “The water is clean, sweet and good for drinking. We all are really thankful to PRASAD Chikitsa,” said one of the women. We also reached a new milestone on the journey toward renewable energy. In partnership with SELCO Solar, we replaced the diesel generators at PRASAD Chikitsa’s health care facilities with clean, sustainable solar-powered electricity. Higher regard for self and others In 2013, the stories of those we serve show more pro-active and self-directed activities than ever before. To strengthen that progress, we added “Train the Trainer” programs on health, leadership, community governance, starting a business, organic farming, safe environmental practices and more. Results include healthier communities, better-informed families, improved self-eteem and greater regard for others. As villagers gain confidence and awareness, they are taking control of their lives and sharing the responsibility for solving communitywide issues including teacher shortages, irregular electrical service and poor roads. On a personal level, members of Self-Help Groups become ‘sisters’ who support one another during hardships and celebrate each other’s victories. Member Darsha said, “Our groups are now our biggest support system. All credit goes to PRASAD Chikitsa because they developed this helping spirit amongst us.” Miles of Smiles In the US, PRASAD Children’s Dental Health Program (PRASAD CDHP) continues to thrive as it uses a mobile clinic to deliver dental health services to underprivileged children in Sullivan and Ulster counties in New York. This year, we celebrated our fifteenth year of service and look forward to many more, with your assistance. Although PRASAD CDHP provides dental treatment to children, the educational component encourages everyone it reaches, adults and children alike, to practice good oral hygiene. As a group of teachers and students wrote to us, “Thank you for visiting our classrooms and teaching us how to take good care of our teeth. We always enjoy your visit.” A new view of life After having free cataract surgery, patients join PRASAD de Mexico’s Director, Carlos Suarez, at a recent Eye Camp in Guandacareo, Mexico. This program provides free corrective surgery to adults with cataracts and children who suffer from strabismus (crossed eyes). Let’s keep the great work going! In this season of gratitude and generosity, I thank you for being a PRASAD Supporter! Throughout 2013, your donations became tools and resources that enabled individuals and families to make community-wide changes that enhance everyone’s quality of life. Please, help us to keep the great work going by making your end-of-year gift today and by continuing your support in 2014! We promise to use your gifts in the most efficient way, by “Doing What Matters Most,” for the people we serve together. Philanthropic Relief, Altruistic Service And Development. With love and gratitude, Phylicia Rashad Advisory Board Member The PRASAD Project The PRASAD Project NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations 465 Brickman Road, Hurleyville, NY 12747 • Tel: 845.434.0376 • ©2013 The PRASAD Project® All rights reserved. Fax: 845.434. 0377 • www.prasad.org
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