LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

It’s no coincidence that Barrington Youth & Family Services (BYFS) moved its offices to Applebee Street in the center of town.

“When it was clear we needed more space, we chose a 107-year-old Victorian home to house our offices,” says BYFS executive director Betsy Wintringer. “We created a therapeutic setting that disarms people and makes them feel at home and at ease right away. We want to have a positive impact and be a positive experience so that people will know to turn to counseling when they, or a loved one, is in trouble.”

BYFS was originally created in 1972 as Barrington Youth Services to fulfill a need identified by community leaders. Over the years, its programs and services have evolved as the community has developed and the world has presented new challenges. The organization changed its name to Barrington Youth & Family Services in 2005 to reflect its growth.

Today, BYFS is a community-based, nonprofit social service agency. Its goal is to build healthier families by providing counseling and preventative programming to children, teens, couples, and families. Their approach focuses on supporting the social, psychological, and emotional well-being of the Barrington community. BYFS offers a variety of Latino services that are led by Spanish-speaking staff. Programming specifically designed for the Latino community is available to all families.

“It’s our goal to destigmatize counseling and make it as easy as possible to get help,” Wintringer says. “We won’t turn anyone away, even if they are underinsured or uninsured. We’re doing our best to work creatively with the community so that anyone who needs help gets it. Accessibility is key. Our goal is to help 50 more families this year than we did last year.”

The BYFS Auxiliary Board is critical to the success of the organization’s efforts, raising more than 50 percent of BYFS’ operating costs at its annual gala. This year’s fundraiser, “A Night in Old Hollywood,” will be held on Saturday, April 12 at the Chateau Biltmore. Meghan Van Daele and Katie Gavula are co-chairing this event.

“Moody opulence is the vibe we’re going for at this year’s gala,” says Van Daele. “We have lots of fun little surprises, including a special little speakeasy lounge that you can visit with a small donation. This lounge will have a local celebrity mixologist that we’re very excited about. We’ll also have a fabulous band, specialty cocktails, champagne tower, and some really cool photo ops when you arrive. We’re so looking forward to transforming the Biltmore back to the golden days of Hollywood.”

“People will show up, dress the part, and have a great time,” adds Gavula. “This event touches such a diverse group who support this cause. It’s always so interesting to see how people interpret the theme. It’s a magical night, one to be proud of, where the community rallies around mental health. A perception is that Barrington doesn’t have needs that require a nonprofit like BYFS. But when you see how many people BYFS touches, it’s really something.”

In 2024, BYFS served 325 families, clocking more than 4,000 direct hours of counseling—that is actual time spent counseling patients. They also awarded about $140,000 in financial assistance to cover counseling.

“Last October was our busiest month in my tenure with BYFS,” Wintringer says. “You don’t want to see that because it means that people are hurting, but it also means that people are proactively reaching out when they need help. There is a definite shift in how people are thinking about mental health.”

The board credits part of this shift to the student ambassadors they have working on behalf of BYFS in the high schools. They help the board have a pulse on the issues students are facing, as well as administering wellness tools peer-to-peer.

“One thing I think about is how many in our community don’t think about BYFS until someone in their family needs their services,” Gavula says. “But it’s such a great thing that BYFS is here and available when they need it.”

As a part-time executive director, Wintringer is beyond grateful to the auxiliary board for their support of the mission at BYFS.

“The attitude and selflessness of our volunteers is so incredible,” Wintringer says. “They’re mostly working moms who are also efficient, thoughtful, and so giving to our cause. Because of our board and the funds that they raise at the gala, we can continue to be a resource that our community can count on.”

To learn more about Barrington Youth & Family Services, visit barringtonbyfs.org and @barringtonbyfs on Instagram. You may purchase tickets to the gala at barringtonbyfs.org/hollywood.