"Our life is a journey, idea is a guide." This was said by Victor Hugo. 80 years ago, Jewish parents gave the name "Idea" to their long-awaited daughter. They say name defines person’s destiny. Idea Panova is a remarkable woman; she is a guide of our community life, its essence and meaning. Our colleagues from Nutrition Department wrote about this distinguished volunteer.

We extend our heartiest congratulations to our dear, incomparable Idea Panova on her 80th birthday!

Idea Panova has been our irreplaceable volunteer of our program for more than 10 years. From the very beginning, she works with clients - fills out and corrects clients’ forms, collects data about pension changes, and changes in payment for utilities. But her most difficult work is to distribute packages with food, household goods, and winter help. She also keeps records of the Shop Program. She is helped by other volunteers, of course. She has worked with Tamara Bezborodova, Svetlana Gershgorina. Now she works with Bella Kvitko and Anna Lyskovksaya. But the most important work with documents is entirely Idea Iosifovna’s responsibility. When the work started, there were only 200-300 clients. Since that time, our community has grown and we have approximately 1,500 clients in our Nutrition Program, while staff members are only 1 person + 1 person working part time. It would be impossible to do the work without constant help of volunteers.

We admire Idea Iosifovna’s patience and kindness in dealing with clients. When our Department has introduced the Shop Program, it was necessary to explain to everyone how to use the card and what receipts to take at the shops. As you know, our clients are mainly elderly people. Idea Iosifovna would repeat again and again what to do and how to do it.

Our Idea Iosifovna is a remarkable person. She inspires respect and love of our clients and by her selfless work, kind attitude, and sense of humor.

We wish her good health, good mood and we look forward to our continued cooperation. For Hesed Polina she serves as a model of respectful and thoughtful attitude to work and people.

Members of the Nutrition Department, Hesed Polina