By: Maria Williams
When Michella Filipowitz made the life-changing move from Miami to Sydney, she expected the typical hurdles of settling into a new place. What she didn’t expect was the profound challenge of raising her son, Benjamin, who was diagnosed with autism, as a single mother. Rather than allowing these obstacles to hold her back, Michella used them as inspiration to create lasting change. She co-founded the DR Family Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting children with disabilities and providing them with opportunities to reach their full potential.
Michella Filipowitz, a model, businesswoman, and philanthropist, has dedicated herself to ensuring that children with special needs are given the support they deserve. After becoming a single mother at 23, her son’s diagnosis of autism became the driving force behind her charitable endeavors. The challenges she faced with Benjamin inspired her to take action and advocate for children like him, co-founding the DR Family Foundation in Australia to help families in similar situations.
One of the foundation’s core missions is to provide financial assistance to families, ensuring that children with disabilities have access to education. In addition, Michella is spearheading a project to create a shelter that will provide a safe and nurturing space for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. “Our shelter will be a place where children can find stability, security, and access to the resources they need to thrive,” she explains. The shelter is expected to open next year, offering a lifeline to children who need a safe environment.
Michella’s deep empathy stems from her own experiences as a mother. “I know how difficult it can be to navigate the world of special needs as a parent,” she says. “I want to help other families by bringing awareness and creating change in how we support children with disabilities.” She recalls watching Benjamin struggle with isolation as other children played together. This painful experience pushed her to take action and become an advocate for more inclusive practices, both in schools and in society.
“In Australia, the support system for children with disabilities is much weaker than it was in Miami,” Michella shares. “Finding a school for Benjamin was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever gone through.”
Private schools repeatedly turned Benjamin away, citing their inability to accommodate his needs. Michella realized that there was a deeper issue at play—a lack of understanding and resources for children with disabilities. “Segregating children with special needs isn’t the answer,” she says. “They deserve to be part of mainstream society, not isolated.”
Her vision for an inclusive education system is one where diversity is embraced, and children are taught to value and respect one another. “Children don’t choose their circumstances,” Michella emphasizes. “It’s up to us to create an environment where they feel included and supported.”
Michella’s time in Miami reinforced her belief in the power of inclusion. Benjamin made remarkable progress once he was placed in a school that embraced his differences. “He went from not speaking to reading and communicating,” she recalls. “It was incredible to see the change once he was in an environment that supported him.”
After a long search, Michella finally found a public school in Sydney that welcomed Benjamin with open arms. “I was so emotional when they told me he’d been accepted,” she says. “The principal reassured me that children with disabilities were thriving there, and I knew Benjamin would have the chance to succeed.”
Michella’s dream is to see children with disabilities fully integrated into both education systems and broader society. She acknowledges that achieving this goal will take time, but she is committed to making it a reality through her work with the DR Family Foundation.
In addition to focusing on education, the foundation is expanding to include other initiatives that encourage connection and community-building. One such project is the launch of a soccer team for children with disabilities, giving them the chance to engage in physical activity, form friendships, and feel a sense of belonging. “It’s about more than just playing soccer,” Michella says. “It’s about creating a space where these kids feel accepted and valued.”
Through her own journey as a single mother, Michella has learned the importance of community, resilience, and support. Her experiences have inspired her to help other families navigate similar challenges, offering both practical assistance and emotional encouragement. “Benjamin has taught me so much about strength and perseverance,” she says. “He’s shown me the importance of never giving up.”
To follow Michella Filipowitz’s ongoing journey and stay up to date on her work with the DR Family Foundation, follow her on Instagram @princessmichella.
Published by: Holy Minoza
