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My Buddy Bench Project (MBBP), a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering kindness, empathy, leadership, community, and mental health wellness, is proud to announce the unveiling of a new Buddy Bench at AcadeMir Charter School of Math & Science.
This special bench was graciously sponsored by Monarch All Health & Dr. Rina S.
Santiago-Guia, Psy.D., Clinical Licensed Psychologist, who shares MBBP’s mission of promoting compassion, inclusion, and mental health awareness to children & youth in schools and communities.
It’s a beacon of kindness born from a daughter’s dream and a mother’s dedication. As sixteen-year-old Co-Founder Victoria shares, ‘I was an elementary student not so long ago and I experienced what it feels like to be socially isolated, and at times, bullied. I want to help other kids feel safe and make friends.’ Inspired by her struggles, the Buddy Bench Program now promotes mental health awareness and helps create a lasting culture of kindness, empathy, and inclusion.
Voices of Kindness & Leadership
Mary Portela, Mom & Co-Founder of MBBP, added: “We go beyond just a bench — each unveiling sparks compassion, friendship, and mental health awareness. As a parent of a child who struggled to find connection, I know how vital support is. Through the Buddy Bench Program, we create spaces of kindness while bridging families, schools, and communities to mental health resources, helping remove the stigma around mental health and emotional wellness.”
Dr. Rina S. Santiago-Guia, Psy.D., Clinical Licensed Psychologist & Sponsor, highlighted the importance of this initiative: “The Buddy Bench is more than just a place to sit, it’s an important reminder to the children that compassion is powerful, bullying has no place among them, and kindness will always have a seat.”
Mrs. Liza Morera-Taylor, The Principal of AcadeMir Charter School of Math & Science, has touched on what this bench will mean for her students: “I look forward to bringing the Buddy Bench to our school. This bench will symbolize more than just a seat in our garden. It will be a place where students can demonstrate courage in reaching out to others, and empathy in helping others. It will be a place where voices are heard, friendships are made, and kindness blooms.”
Buddy, the Project’s Certified Therapy Dog and “Kindness Ambassador” mascot, will also be part of the ceremony, reminding students that small acts of compassion can create big change.
Event Details
The unveiling ceremony will feature remarks from school leadership, the MBBP co-founders, local government, and Monarch All Health – Dr. Rina S. Santiago-Guia, Psy.D., Clinical Licensed Psychologist & Sponsor.
Date: Tuesday, October 14, 2025
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: AcadeMir Charter School of Math & Science
13330 SW 288th St, Homestead, FL 33033
Members of the media, community leaders, parents, and students are invited to attend and witness this meaningful occasion.
About My Buddy Bench Project
Founded by mother-daughter duo Mary and Victoria Portela, My Buddy Bench Project empowers children to build friendships, practice empathy, and strengthen their communities. Through Buddy Bench Program’s Enrichment Activities, and the support of Kindness Ambassadors, MBBP is dedicated to promoting mental health wellness and creating inclusive spaces where every child feels valued and supported.
Learn more at mybuddybenchproject.org
#BeABuddy
Media Contact:
Mary Portela, Co-Founder
