Meet the Author - Jack Balinsky

Jack began his professional career working at an inner-city settlement house, the Huntington Family Center, in Syracuse. Subsequently, he served as the Mayor’s Youth Coordinator, until beginning work on September 1, 1971 with Catholic Charities in Syracuse. Jack's association with Catholic Charities in New York State lasted for 51 years until his retirement in 2022, working for the New York State Catholic Conference of Bishops for six years prior to beginning his tenure with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester.

Highly regarded by his colleagues throughout New York State and Catholic Charities USA, Jack’s abilities to recall the specifics of the events that helped to shape the Catholic Church in New York and public policy in New York State are widely admired. Jack says, “It is the rich history and significant contributions made by the New York State Catholic Conference of Bishops that inspired me to write a series of histories.”

About the Series

Six volumes of the history of the New York State Catholic Conference written with the approval of the Bishops of New York State are presented on this website, in electronic format to ensure broad access to these works.

A seventh history, Spirit Alive! Fifty Years of Consistent Life Advocacy and Parish Social Ministry in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Rochester was written by Jack as a gift to Bishop Matthew H. Clark on the occasion of his thirtieth anniversary as bishop of the Diocese of Rochester.

In 2009, Jack wrote a History of the Providence Housing Development Corporation 1994-2009 on the occasion of their fifteenth anniversary celebration.

In 2010, he published a History of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester 1910-2010 in recognition of its one-hundredth anniversary.

Awards

Catholic Charities USA Centennial Medal

For these works and his contributions to Catholic Charities across the county, Jack was recognized in September 2010, when he was presented a Catholic Charities USA Centennial Medal, given to one hundred individuals or organizations who have contributed significantly to the work of the national organization in its 100-year history.

J. Alan Davitt Exemplary Service Award

In March 2011, Jack was presented the J. Alan Davitt Exemplary Service Award by the Bishops of New York State in Recognition of his many contributions to the New York State Catholic Conference.

Bishop Clark Award

The Diocesan Board of Rochester Catholic Charities presented him with the Bishop Clark Award in September 2012.

Bishop Francis J. Mugavero Award

He received the Bishop Francis J. Mugavero Award from the New York State Council of Catholic Charities Directors in March 2013.

Father Trott Award

In December 2016, Jack received the Father Trott Award presented by Catholic Charities of Livingston County.

Heart and Soul Award

In March 2018, Jack received the Heart and Soul Award from Catholic Charities Community Service.

Jack Balinsky Retires in 2022 After 50 Years Working with Catholic Charities

• Diocese of Rochester Announcement: Catholic Charities Director Jack Balinsky announces upcoming retirement
• Catholic Courier Article: Rochester Diocese honors former Catholic Charities director
• Catholic Courier Article: 2 Charities funds honor Balinsky, meet ongoing needs

Jack is living happily in Victor, New York.