An Appeal from Phylicia Rashad

®
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
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Tel: 845.434.0376
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©2013 The PRASAD Project® All rights reserved.
Fax: 845.434. 0377
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www.prasad.org