Our History
The story of how one family's love of reading and music became a mission to help children across America.
How It All Began
Balint Charities, Inc. was founded by Kathleen Christesen to honor her parents, Fran and Barb Balint — two people who believed deeply in the power of books and music to shape a child's life.
Kathleen began her career in Fairfax County Public Schools in the 1990s and participated in the Mentoring program for young school children for several years. That experience allowed her to see firsthand the importance of reading and math skills, and how starting early pays big dividends later in a child's education.
Inspired by what she witnessed and driven by the memory of her parents, Kathleen created Balint Charities as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit to provide books and musical instruments to young children growing up in families who may lack the resources to provide these items at home.
Two Programs, One Mission
From the beginning, Balint Charities has focused on two core programs — each named in honor of Kathleen's parents.
Barb's Books
Named in honor of Barb Balint, this program acquires and distributes books to children in need. Through partnerships with schools, hospitals, Head Start programs, and community organizations, Barb's Books puts the joy of reading directly into children's hands.
Fran's Bands
Named in honor of Fran Balint, this program collects gently used and new musical instruments and places them with budding young musicians who otherwise wouldn't have access. Fran's Bands partners with schools and community groups to bring music into children's lives.
Growing Across the Country
What began as a local effort in Virginia has grown into a nationwide initiative. Balint Charities has served over 75 schools, hospitals, Head Start programs, and community organizations across the United States — from Virginia and Washington, D.C. to California, Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida, and beyond.
Through grants and private donations, Balint Charities acquires books and instruments for children in need. The organization seeks out small groups, individuals, and charitable organizations who help by holding book drives or gathering gently used or new musical instruments, then works with agencies, schools, teachers, and other nonprofits to distribute donations directly to children and their families.
Guided by a Clear Mission
"Balint Charities seeks to nurture children's capacity for educational success by early intervention of reading and music. We believe that ALL children deserve to know the joy of reading books and playing music from a young age."
Be part of the story
Your support helps Balint Charities write the next chapter — putting more books and instruments into the hands of children who need them most.
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