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Lavra Gives to Her Community and now the Hesed in Kazakhstan Gives to Her
Though Lavra enjoys volunteering and contributing to others in the Jewish community, she never imagined that she herself would need help.
She began volunteering years ago for the JDC-sponsored - social welfare center in Almaty, Kazakhstan, when she brought her needy neighbor there for assistance. The Hesed director at the time suggested that Lavra, too, complete a form. "I told her that I was managing and did not need urgent assistance like my dear friend," explains the vibrant woman. But the director insisted — "So what? Maybe the time will come that we will need you." These words proved prophetic. A journalist by profession, Lavra began to give of her time at the Jewish library as well as the soup kitchen. She organizes literature clubs for members of the library; at the Day Center; and at Warm Home programs, where elderly gather for Jewish enrichment, companionship, and a nutritious meal. In fact, the scope of her involvement and activities is growing: she takes an active role in the Jewish Community Center (JCC) Family Club, has been elected to the Club board, writes scripts for Jewish communal events, acts as production director for the "Shalom" Club, and is a fixture presenter at festive concerts at the Center. Today Lavra is one of the JCC’s most active volunteers. At 67 years of age, this energetic woman is thrilled to put her skills to good use. 
Born in 1938 in Ukraine, Lavra moved with her family to Kazakhstan — where her father had obtained work — just before World War II began. Unable to return to Ukraine, they remained in Kazakhstan, where Lavra eventually graduated from the Kazakh State University Faculty of Journalism. Because the family was numerous and there were many mouths to feed, Lavra worked during her studies as a reporter for the "Uchitel Kazakhstana" ("Kazakhstani Teacher") newspaper. After graduation, she continued working at the newspaper for another sixteen years.
On her meager pension of $65/month, Lavra now finds that she truly cannot manage without the assistance of Hesed. A client since 2000, Lavra receives monthly food packages and fresh food sets. Three times per month she has a treat — a soup kitchen meal — because she volunteers in the soup kitchen on those days. "I am glad to be able to help the community that is so generously helping me," she says. |
