By: Maria Williams
When Michella Filipowitz relocated from Miami to Sydney, she knew she’d face the usual hurdles of moving to a new country, but the journey that awaited her as a single mother raising a child with autism was something she hadn’t expected. Instead of backing down from the difficulties, Michella channeled her energy into co-founding the DR Family Foundation in Australia, a charity dedicated to helping children with disabilities reach their full potential.
As the Co-Founder of the DR Family Foundation, Michella Filipowitz—who is also a model, businesswoman, and philanthropist—has made it her mission to give children with special needs opportunities to succeed. Her life took a new direction when she became a single mother at 23, and the subsequent challenges of raising her son, Benjamin, who was diagnosed with autism, became the driving force behind her philanthropic work.
Michella’s foundation has transformed the lives of countless children with disabilities by providing them with the education and resources they deserve. One of the foundation’s key initiatives is paying school fees for children who would otherwise struggle to access the education they need. Currently, the DR Family Foundation is also working on building a shelter to house children from disadvantaged backgrounds, offering them a safe and nurturing environment.
“Our shelter will be much more than just a place to stay. It’s going to be a supportive community where children can access resources, feel safe, and thrive,” says Filipowitz. The shelter is set to open next year and will serve as a haven for children in need of stability.
When asked about her inspiration for creating the foundation, Michella said, “I have so much empathy for every family and child going through challenges. I want to be a voice that brings awareness and change to our community.”
As a mother, Michella saw firsthand how children with disabilities are often excluded and treated differently. She vividly recalls watching other children play together while Benjamin sat on the sidelines alone. This stark reality pushed her to advocate for systemic changes in society and in schools. Despite the fact that autism affects 1 in 36 children, too many are still left without the support they need.
“There’s a much weaker support system for children with disabilities here in Australia compared to what we had in Miami,” Michella shares. “Finding a school that would accept my son was incredibly hard, especially now that he’s approaching kindergarten.”
Her frustration deepened after several private schools rejected Benjamin due to a lack of infrastructure to support children with special needs. “It’s like they just don’t have the capability to manage kids who are different,” she explains. According to Michella, simply placing children with disabilities in special schools is not a real solution. “All children deserve to be integrated into society,” she says. “Segregating them only makes things worse.”
Michella believes the education system must evolve to promote inclusivity, with classrooms that celebrate diversity and teach children to respect one another regardless of their differences. “Children don’t choose their circumstances,” she emphasizes. “We need to support them and show them they belong.”
Reflecting on her time in Miami, Michella recalls how a supportive school environment changed Benjamin’s life. Before enrolling, Benjamin was non-verbal, but soon after, he began speaking and reading, making remarkable progress with the help of skilled teachers. “The difference was unbelievable. His growth exceeded all my expectations,” she says. Michella’s experience in Miami strengthened her belief that integration into mainstream society can lead to better outcomes for children with disabilities.
Thankfully, Michella’s perseverance paid off in Sydney, as Benjamin was recently accepted into a public school, marking a pivotal moment for their family. “I was overwhelmed with joy. I cried in the car when I found out,” she recalls. “The principal told me that other kids with disabilities at the school are thriving, and I’m so relieved Benjamin will be part of that.”
Michella’s dream is for children with disabilities to be fully included in the education system and to be encouraged to play, connect, and grow alongside their peers. She knows that achieving this goal won’t happen overnight, but she’s determined to lead the charge through her work with the DR Family Foundation.
Beyond education, Michella is expanding her foundation’s initiatives. Soon, the foundation will launch a soccer team for children with disabilities, allowing them to engage in sports, form friendships, and feel a sense of belonging. “It’s about creating a safe, inclusive space where everyone feels valued,” Michella explains. “Our differences should bring us together, not set us apart.”
Through her own experiences as a single mother, Michella has learned the value of community and resilience. Her journey has driven her to help other families navigate similar challenges, providing them with the tools and resources they need to overcome obstacles. “Benjamin is the reason I am who I am today,” she says. “He’s taught me the importance of love, strength, and perseverance.”
To keep up with Michella Filipowitz’s journey and learn more about her work with the DR Family Foundation, follow her on Instagram @princessmichella.
Published By: Aize Perez
