Catholic Charities Community Services Heart and Soul Award March 2, 2018
Hilda Rosario Escher, Lori VanAuken and Jack Balinsky, recipient of the Heart and Soul Award.
The 2018 Heart and Soul Award was presented to Jack Balinsky, Director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester, for his vision that helped to vastly expand the programs and presence of Catholic Charities in a 12-county service area.
Bishop Clark's Remarks
Good Morning.
I have the privilege today to present the Catholic Charities Community Services Heart and Soul Award to Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester - Director, Jack Balinsky.
This is such an appropriate recognition because Jack is the Heart and the Soul of Catholic Charities. Anyone that knows Jack, sees him as a selfless person and a great reformer, working hard on behalf of the vulnerable, the needy and the poor.
Jack, you stand tall as a beacon of light for Catholic Charities Community Services and all branches of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester, leading the way in the service of others.
Jack has devoted his professional life to promoting charity and social justice. When appointed Director of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Rochester in 1992, Catholic Charities consisted of 3 scattered agencies.
Since then, Jack has expanded Catholic Charities to 9 agencies throughout the 12 counties of the Diocese.
A typical day for Jack might find him at a meeting of Catholic Charities Community Services, on to Elmira to the Food Bank, and ending up at the eastern end of the diocese at Catholic Charities of Wayne County.
As busy as he is, Jack always finds time to have dinner with the residents of each of the 13 residential homes operated by Catholic Charities Community Services
He is welcomed each time as a family member and in return, Jack gives encouragement and shows compassion for everyone he meets.
Jack's life is Catholic Charities. He has made sure that those who have served and provided leadership for the past one hundred years are remembered in his chronicles of the organization.... along with extensive detail on the development of Charities in the Diocese.
In 2011, Jack was honored with a special LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION, calling him “a true asset to society” meriting the respect and recognition of the New York State Legislature.
Jack, you truly have made this your life's work and mission, and this has resulted in life-changing help for thousands of people who need it most.
”You exemplify the word "service" and you honor the name "Christian".
Jack, congratulations. You are a friend, our Catholic Charities Historian and the Heart and Soul of Catholic Charities.
It is my honor to recognize you for your work and for living a life of faith in action.
Jack's Acceptance Speech