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South Florida student, her mother create ‘My Buddy Bench Project’ to combat bullying
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A student is spearheading an anti-bullying initiative in Miami-Dade County.
She’s the co-founder of the “My Buddy Bench Project” and is helping to combat bullying one bench at a time.
“I think this organization is great because my personal experiences have been hard in elementary school and I don’t want anyone else to have the same experiences,” Victoria Portela said.
Victoria and her mother, Mary Portela, co-founded the My Buddy Bench Project — built off of Victoria’s personal experience with bullying.
“I was joining a new school in the third grade and I did feel really hurt in the beginning because I didn’t know these people and they were just judging me off of … I don’t know, just for anything,” Victoria said.
That feeling of judgement and isolation sparked Victoria to create this anti-bullying nonprofit with her mother.
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Buddy Bench Unveiling
Join our Youth Community Involvement Task Force in bringing a Buddy Bench to Coral Reef and Palmetto Bay Parks. As a part of the My Buddy Bench Project, the task force endeavors to make our community a friendlier place. The unveilings will take place at Coral Reef Park at 10am and Palmetto Bay Park at 11am.
COCONUT GROVE, Fla. – This is one young girl’s story of turning an unfortunate set of circumstances into a triumphant journey.
As a third grade student in 2017, Victoria Portela experienced social isolation and bullying at her elementary school. She often would go home in tears. Her mom, Mary, decided to speak to the school counselor, who encouraged her to take action in a positive way.
After several conversations with other school counselors and mental health professionals throughout the years, Victoria felt empowered to raise her voice and My Buddy Bench Project was born.
“I want to help other kids feel safe and make friends,” said Victoria.
Co-founded by Victoria and her mom, My Buddy Bench Project aims to create a supportive environment for children through the installation of Buddy Benches that serve as safe spaces for kids to sit and talk with someone they trust. They are a symbolic representation of friendship.
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My Buddy Bench Project
“Champions of Bullying Prevention”
My Buddy Bench Project “Champions of Bullying Prevention” Unveils Symbolic Art Installation at Peacock Park for Coconut Grove 60th Arts Festival, City of Miami, Peacock Park, February 12th, 2024.
Exciting news is on the horizon as the My Buddy Bench Project eagerly prepares for a special endeavor and the unveiling of a Buddy Bench on February 12th at 4:30 pm. The City of Miami, in a demonstration of genuine interest in this cause, will be implementing this meaningful Buddy Bench at Peacock Park in Coconut Grove. This noteworthy development is in harmony with Coconut Grove’s 60th Annual Arts Festival.
The Buddy Bench, beyond its symbolic representation of friendship, will also serve as a collaborative art installation involving the city’s local children and the esteemed artist, DJ Chery. Renowned for his art and love for beautifying the community, DJ Chery will lead the design process, working hand in hand with children from the Peacock Park afterschool program to craft a unique and meaningful masterpiece.
Anti-bullying prevention organization My Buddy Bench Project gets key sponsor and Supporter
Pointing to the fact the organization is on a mission “to help bring kindness and empathy to children in elementary schools and public spaces with the help of a Buddy Bench”. the law firm of Panter, Panter, and Sampedro is a proud sponsor of the My Buddy Bench Project.
Panter, Panter, and Sampedro, P.A. is a Florida-based personal injury law firm helping injured clients through the legal process. For over 30 years, their trial attorneys have worked one-on-one with clients to lead them to justice, recovery, and proper compensation.
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