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Inside the Buddy Bench Project—How a Teen Turned Playground Pain into a Mental Health Movement
By Vicky Sidler | Published 5 June 2025 at 12:00 GMT
Many kids experience schoolyard trauma. Some of us carry it into adulthood, bury it under productivity apps and group chats. But every now and then, a teenager decides to build a bench instead—and changes everything.
That’s what 15-year-old Victoria Portela did with the My Buddy Bench Project, a U.S.-based nonprofit co-founded with her mom, Mary, to fight isolation, bullying, and disconnection in elementary schools.
What started as a passing comment—”I wish they had that at my old school”—has grown into a full-blown kindness movement.
Spreading Kindness with My Buddy Bench Project
More than just benches, this project is about teaching the power of kindness, empathy, and emotional wellness. Through fun workshops, stories, and hands-on activities, kids learn how to support one another, speak up with compassion, and understand the importance of mental health. They’re also encouraged to become leaders in their communities by standing up for what’s right and showing that small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
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.
As featured on
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.
Miami's Community News:
Unveiling of Buddy Benches at Coral Reef Park and Palmetto Bay Park: Fostering Kindness and Inclusion Across the Community
While Shining a Positive Light on Mental Health Wellness
My Buddy Bench Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting kindness, empathy, community, and leadership, is thrilled to announce the unveiling of two new Buddy Benches, the first one will go to Coral Reef Park, and the second one, to Palmetto Bay Park. The benches are designed to encourage connection, create friendships and show support for one another, by helping to build a culture of kindness in our local communities.
This impactful initiative was spearheaded by Village of Palmetto Bay’s Director of Parks & Recreation, Fanny Carmona, in collaboration with the Youth Community Involvement Task Force to bring Buddy Benches to local parks, fostering inclusion and kindness across all ages. We are also honored to celebrate this new milestone with Karyn Cunningham, Mayor of Palmetto Bay, a steadfast supporter of the My Buddy Bench Project’s mission. Her commitment to promoting kindness and community wellness has been invaluable to our efforts and to the broader community of Palmetto Bay.
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.
As featured on
NBC Miami:
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.
Islander News:
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.
Help Our Cause
Your support and contributions will enable us to make real changes.
Every little bit counts!
