Dr. Joy Lynn Suárez-Kindy
Dr. Joy Lynn Suárez-Kindy left an indelible mark in the fight against bullying and cyberbullying in Puerto Rico, sowing seeds of compassion, courage, and positive change in our society. Joy was a force of nature who lived her life with passion, conviction, and overflowing optimism. She embraced her community with boundless love, always placing the needs and well-being of her family and community at the forefront.
In every action and every gesture, Joy demonstrated what it means to be a catalyst for change, and it is her indomitable spirit that drives us to continue her legacy.
Our Story
The foundation was born in January 2020, rooted in the legacy of clinical psychologist, professor and fervent activist, Dr. Joy Lynn Suárez-Kindy. Inspired by her passion and tireless fight against bullying and cyberbullying, we work to create a future where the mental health of Puerto Rico’s child and youth population is a priority.
At Fields of Joy we believe in educating to emphasize the importance of preventative mental health, reduce or eliminate stigma and negative stereotypes, and normalize effective mental health treatment.
Through a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to create alliances between cross-sectoral groups and propose to lead the effort to achieve systemic change, investing in innovative initiatives and mental health research.
Driving change in youth mental health
Mission
Our mission is to promote and protect the mental health of children and youth in Puerto Rico and enhance their happiness.
Vision
We identify, connect and enable initiatives that increase social awareness, develop knowledge and drive change in the field of mental health for children and youth on our Island.
Our values
Service
Integrity
Excellent management
Social commitment
Culture of collaboration
Why Do We Do It?
The current state of the mental health of children and teens in Puerto Rico and the United States presents us with a growing and complex challenge.
There has been a significant increase in cases of depression, anxiety, trauma, loneliness and suicidal behavior.
1
in
5
children and teens
suffer from a mental or behavioral health disorder. There was a 50% increase in emergency room visits due to mental health-related episodes.
The need for effective and timely intervention is imperative in the face of the steady increase in the number of calls received by helplines, and the influx in emergency rooms.
477%
increase in the number of calls received by helplines
In Puerto Rico, the devastating effects of natural disasters, hurricanes, and the pandemic have contributed to a deterioration in the emotional well-being of children under 17 years of age.
50%
was the increase in emergency room visits for mental health-related episodes
Our mission is to catalyze transformative change, directly impacting schools and communities, as protagonists of the social fabric.
We focus on promoting mental health and educating on the early detection of behaviors that may affect the wellbeing of children and teens.
At Fields of Joy, we strongly believe in educating our community about the importance of preventative mental health, working to eliminate negative stereotypes, and normalizing seeking and receiving medical treatment.
We see ourselves as a bridge, connecting community groups, not for profit organizations, government entities and universities, and fostering collaborative cross-sector alliances.
We lead the effort to bring about systemic change by investing in innovative approaches and pioneering research in the field of mental health. Our foundation is firmly rooted in a spirit of collaboration and unity, through which we aim to make a lasting difference in the lives of our children and youth.
Lcda. Lilly A. Oronoz Rodriguez , Executive Director of Fields of Joy
Board of Directors
Carlos Cobián
President
Lilly A. Oronoz Rodríguez
Executive Director
Alfredo Suárez
Vice-president
Lcdo. Eugenio Torres
Secretary
Antonio Sécola
Treasurer
Maria Fernanda Levis
Member
Lucienne Gigante
Member
Our Allies
At Fields of Joy, we firmly believe that collaboration is the key to making a meaningful difference in the lives of Puerto Rican children and youth. By partnering, we multiply our impact and extend our reach, creating a strong network dedicated to improving the mental health and emotional well-being of our future generations.
In order to honor and continue the legacy of their professor and psychologist Dr. Joy Lynn-Suárez, Carlos Albizu University has established a partnership with Fields of Joy so that both its faculty and students can develop initiatives that address the mental health of Puerto Rican children and youth.
“We have partnered with Fields of Joy to create initiatives that promote the mental health of children and youth in Puerto Rico. Through this alliance, clinical psychology students collaborate with Fields of Joy in the management of research projects on topics related to the mental health of the child and adolescent population.”
Dr. Julio Santana Marino, PhD.,
Rector of the San Juan Campus, Carlos Albizu University
For Fields of Joy it is vital to promote projects that promote positive psychology. In partnership with Direct Relief, we develop strategies and promote innovative initiatives to respond to the mental health crisis affecting our children and youth.
“Recognizing and advocating the issue of mental health in our children and youth is crucial. In Direct Relief we are committed to creating spaces for discussion and help in the search for solutions. The future of our country depends on our young population and we need to ensure their physical and mental well-being. We are very pleased to support Fields of Joy in its mission to address youth mental health challenges.”
Ivonne Rodriguez Wiewall,
Executive Advisor at Direct Relief.
Fundación Atención Atención offers Puerto Rican children and the parents responsible for their care a variety of creative experiences and educational tools that strengthen the development of their capacities in a comprehensive way.
As part of this collaboration and using the characters of Atención Atención so beloved by Puerto Rican children, Fields of Joy has created virtual lessons on the topics of bullying, the correct use of technology and compassionate communication.
“For the Atención Atención Foundation, it is a privilege to have created a strategic alliance with Fields of Joy for the benefit of Puerto Rican children. It is the adults who are responsible for ensuring their emotional health and accompanying them in their development so that they grow up healthy and happy.”
Paula Rivera, PhDc
Executive Director Fundación Atención Atención
Fields of Joy is exempt from taxation under Section 1101.01(a)(2)(A) of the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code of 2011, as amended and under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code.