🚂 A New Stop on the Kindness Journey! 💛 South Miami Heights Buddy Bench Unveiling
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On November 12, 2026, South Miami Heights Elementary School, home of the SMHE Locomotives, will officially unveil its new Anti-Bullying Buddy Bench in collaboration with My Buddy Bench Project (MBBP), a Miami-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit co-founded by teenager Victoria Portela and her mother, Mary Portela.
This initiative was made possible through generous support from The Children’s Trust and in collaboration with Christina’s Academy, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening the emotional well-being of children and families in Miami-Dade.
Having experienced bullying herself, Victoria wanted to turn her experience into something positive for other children. Her vision was simple but powerful: create a place where children could find friendship, feel included, and know they are not alone.
What started with a bench has evolved into something much bigger—a student-centered program that promotes mental and emotional wellness, prevents bullying, and empowers children to become leaders of kindness in their own schools.
This initiative was made possible through generous support from The Children’s Trust and in collaboration with Christina’s Academy, reflecting a shared commitment to strengthening the emotional well-being of children and families in Miami-Dade.
Having experienced bullying herself, Victoria wanted to turn her experience into something positive for other children. Her vision was simple but powerful: create a place where children could find friendship, feel included, and know they are not alone.
What started with a bench has evolved into something much bigger—a student-centered program that promotes mental and emotional wellness, prevents bullying, and empowers children to become leaders of kindness in their own schools.
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Where is it happening?
12231 SW 190th Terrace, MIAMI, FL 33177, 12231 SW 190th Ter, Miami, FL 33177-3809, United States, South Miami Heights
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherMy Buddy Bench Project