BBBS Broward and Henderson earn Community Catalyst Award for youth mental health support

By Villij News Staff

When a child is having a difficult time, a trusted mentor can be someone they turn to. There are also moments when that mentor needs professional guidance about how to help.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County and Henderson Behavioral Health are working to make that support easier to reach. The two organizations received the Community Catalyst Award for a partnership that brings mental health and wellness services into BBBS Broward’s mentoring community. The honor was presented at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce’s Excellence in Healthcare Awards on September 24, 2026, in Dania Beach.

Giving caring adults somewhere to turn

The need behind the collaboration grew out of a difficult experience. According to BBBS Broward, a mentor learned that the child she supported was struggling with self-harm. The mentor wanted to help but did not know where to turn for professional support.

That experience helped shape Little Steps, Big Strides, an initiative that connects young people and the adults around them with mental health resources. The partnership with Henderson, launched in March 2026, adds clinicians to that support system.

In announcing the collaboration, BBBS Broward emphasized that mentors are not clinicians. A strong mentoring relationship can offer encouragement and connection, while professional care addresses needs that require additional expertise.

Bringing support into a familiar setting

Henderson clinicians provide individual and group sessions, family support and training for mentors, caregivers and staff. The initiative addresses challenges including anxiety, bullying, school pressures and family conflict, with services offered at no cost to participants.

In-person counseling is available at Beth’s Zen Den, a private wellness room at BBBS Broward’s Fort Lauderdale office. The space is named in honor of philanthropist Beth Linzner. Virtual sessions and home visits, when appropriate, offer other ways for participants to connect with support. The approach places professional help within an organization where young people already have mentoring relationships. It also gives the adults supporting them a place to ask questions and learn how to recognize signs of distress.

An early effort with room to grow

In its September 29 award announcement, BBBS Broward reported that the initiative had served 10 families. Initial funding provides capacity to support at least 240 young people annually. The Farris Foundation is identified as the initiative’s founding supporter.

Henderson CEO Dr. Steven Ronik also received the ceremony’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Families and mentors in the BBBS Broward community can learn more through the Little Steps, Big Strides program page or call BBBS Broward at 954-584-9990 to ask about services and participation.

Villij News will continue sharing stories about the people and partnerships supporting Broward County families, along with information to help readers stay informed about local resources.