Supporting the Whole Child Through Mentorship & Mental Wellness

Every young person deserves the opportunity to thrive—not only academically and socially, but emotionally and mentally as well.

Little Steps, Big Strides was born from a real moment of concern within one of our matches. A Big discovered that her Little was struggling with self-harm and, despite wanting desperately to help, she didn’t know what to do or where to turn for support. That experience highlighted a critical need: our Littles, their families, and their mentors needed greater access to mental health resources, guidance, and professional support.

In response, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County created Little Steps, Big Strides, a comprehensive wellness initiative designed to ensure that no Little—or Big supporting them—has to navigate difficult moments alone. Through additional support provided by Henderson Behavioral Health, we are able to connect our youth, families, mentors, and staff with professional behavioral health expertise, tools, resources, and support.

But Little Steps, Big Strides is more than a standalone program. It is integrated into everything we do at BBBS Broward. From our mentoring programs and match support to activities, events, and everyday interactions with our Littles, mental and emotional wellness is part of the way we serve young people.

By embedding this support throughout the BBBS Broward experience, we are creating an environment where Littles feel safe, seen, and supported—and, most importantly, know where to turn when they need help.

Because sometimes the biggest strides begin with one small step: knowing you don’t have to face it alone.

A New Approach to Youth Wellness

Mentorship changes lives. By combining trusted mentoring relationships with accessible behavioral health services, Little Steps, Big Strides ensures that young people receive support that extends beyond academics and career readiness.

This innovative initiative helps participants build healthy coping skills while addressing challenges such as:

• Anxiety and depression
• Bullying and cyberbullying
• Academic stress
• College and career pressures
• Identity-related challenges
• Family conflict
• Suicidal ideation
• Everyday life stressors

Our goal is simple: empower young people with the emotional tools they need to succeed both today and in the future.

Services & Support

Licensed clinicians from Henderson Behavioral Health work alongside the BBBS Broward team to provide compassionate, accessible care through services including:

• Individual wellness sessions
• Group counseling and workshops
• Family support
• Home visits, when appropriate
• Mentor training
• Parent and caregiver education
• Staff wellness support
• Crisis awareness and early intervention training

These services help ensure that when challenges arise, professional support is readily available.

A Dedicated Wellness Space

A dedicated wellness room at BBBS Broward’s Fort Lauderdale office serves as a welcoming, private space for counseling sessions, evaluations, and staff support.

Named in honor of philanthropist Beth Linzner, the space reflects a shared commitment to creating a safe, calming environment where meaningful healing and growth can take place.

About Henderson Behavioral Health

For more than 70 years, Henderson Behavioral Health has been one of Florida’s leading nonprofit behavioral healthcare organizations, providing accessible, high-quality mental health services to children, adults, and families.

Through this partnership, Henderson clinicians bring their expertise directly into the trusted mentoring environment of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Broward County, making behavioral health support more accessible while helping youth and families build resilience, confidence, and hope.