Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (October 6, 2026) — The partnership between Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County (BBBS Broward) and Henderson Behavioral Health (HBH) was named the Community Catalyst at the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce Excellence in Healthcare Awards. Also at the awards ceremony, Dr. Steven Ronik, Chief Executive Officer of HBH, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Building on the success of its Little Steps, Big Strides program, BBBS Broward launched a transformational new partnership with HBH in March 2026. It is designed to strengthen overall wellness for youth, families, mentors and staff across the organization.

The collaboration brings together two long-standing community nonprofits to create a comprehensive, long-term wellness initiative that equips young people with healthy coping skills to navigate major life challenges and everyday stressors including anxiety, depression, bullying, cyberbullying, academic pressures, navigating college applications, identity-related stress, suicidal ideation and family challenges.

“In the six months since Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County joined forces with Henderson Behavioral Health to provide wellness services and counseling sessions to our Bigs, Littles, families and staff, I’ve already seen a significant positive impact on how participants cope with and overcome challenges and stressors,” said Malena Mendez, President & CEO of BBBS Broward. “We are only just beginning, and I look forward to helping many more youth and adults within our program. I am grateful for our partnership with the professionals at Henderson Behavioral Health and that the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce has recognized the significance of our collaboration.”

HBH clinicians provide individual and group wellness sessions, home visits when appropriate, quarterly training sessions for BBBS Broward staff that provide an orientation to the services HBH clinicians provide, how to identify common mental health warning signs and being mindful of cultural humility. Quarterly engagement and education sessions with Bigs and parents/guardians include identifying common mental health warning signs and how to communicate with children. These efforts help participants recognize early warning signs of distress and respond with compassion, understanding and care.

“We are so pleased to share the Community Catalyst award with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and we are grateful to the Farris Foundation and Beth Linzner, who support both of our organizations and who generously provided funding for our collaboration,” said Dr. Steven Ronik. “As long-time Trustee members of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, we are so grateful to be recognized for this partnership.”

With generous support from founding supporter, the Farris Foundation, the Little Steps, Big Strides initiative is integrated into BBBS Broward’s curriculum across all programs and is expected to expand as additional community partners and supporters join the effort.

A dedicated wellness room called Beth’s Zen Den at BBBS Broward’s Fort Lauderdale office serves as a central hub for in-person counseling sessions with masters-level licensed clinical therapists, evaluations and staff support. The thoughtfully designed space is named in honor of philanthropist, former Big and current BBBS Broward board member Beth Linzner, whose leadership support made it possible to create a beautiful, private and serene environment where meaningful counseling sessions can take root and thrive. Depending on an individual’s needs, circumstances or preferences, sessions may also take place virtually or in their home.

The initiative also reflects a growing need for culturally responsive wellness services, particularly for youth who may feel unsafe discussing personal challenges at home or within their communities. With clinicians as part of BBBS Broward’s existing framework, the program is designed to reduce stigma while empowering mentors and families with practical tools to support young people more effectively.

While mentoring alone has been shown to improve graduation rates, college enrollment and reduce risky behaviors, BBBS Broward leaders emphasize that mentors are not clinicians. This partnership ensures professional wellness support is readily available when needs extend beyond the mentoring relationship.

Ninety-one percent of Littles reported feeling a strong sense of belonging among their peers and feeling listened to when they bring worries or problems to their Bigs. Seventy-seven percent say they are doing better in school because of their Big, 90% say their Big makes them feel better about themselves and 94% are confident they will achieve their goals.

These outcomes demonstrate that wellness and