By: Maria Williams
Michella Filipowitz’s life has been a journey marked by resilience, transformation, and an unwavering commitment to advocating for those who need it most. From her early years as a 15-year-old girl with dreams of becoming a model in Paris to her current role as a co-founder of the DR Family Foundation, Michella has consistently broken down barriers, both in her personal life and in her mission to support children with disabilities.
Michella’s story begins with her audacious decision to leave home at a very young age, driven by her passion for modeling. At just 15, she found herself in the heart of Paris, a city renowned for its fashion but also infamous for its challenges, especially for a young, aspiring model without a support system. The glittering world of fashion quickly revealed its harsher realities, and Michella soon realized that the industry lacked the emotional and mental support necessary for someone of her age. “Paris was everything I dreamed of and more, but it was also a place where I had to grow up quickly,” she recalls. The challenges she faced in Paris were not just professional but deeply personal as she navigated a far less glamorous world than it appeared on the surface.
This period of her life was formative, teaching Michella about the importance of mental health and the need for supportive communities. These early experiences would later influence her decision to pivot from modeling to art dealing, a career that allowed her to connect with people on a more profound level. “Art has always been a passion of mine,” she explains. “There’s something incredibly powerful about being able to hold a piece of history, something that tells the story of someone’s life and the experiences they went through.”
However, life had more in store for Michella. By the age of 23, she found herself in a completely new role—that of a single mother. Her son, Benjamin, was born into a world that would present him with significant challenges. When Benjamin was diagnosed with autism at a young age, Michella’s life was once again transformed. “I had no idea what to expect,” she admits. “But I knew that I had to be strong for Benjamin. He became the center of my world, and everything I did from that moment on was for him.”
Navigating the complexities of raising a child with special needs, Michella quickly realized the significant gaps in support for families like hers. Without a father figure to guide her and with the added challenges of Benjamin’s condition, she faced the daunting task of finding a school that would not only accept her son but provide him with the support he needed to thrive. “It was heartbreaking to see how many schools were unwilling to accommodate children with disabilities,” she says. “These children don’t choose their circumstances. They’re born into these challenges, and it’s our responsibility as a society to support them.”
Michella’s search for an inclusive educational environment for Benjamin highlighted the broader issues within the educational system—issues that often leave children with disabilities marginalized and excluded. This experience fueled her passion for advocacy, leading to the creation of the DR Family Foundation. The foundation was born out of Michella’s desire to ensure that no other child or family would have to face the same struggles she and Benjamin had encountered.
The DR Family Foundation is dedicated to providing financial and emotional support to families raising children with disabilities. Michella’s firsthand experience with the challenges these families face has driven the foundation’s mission. “I know how overwhelming it can be,” she says. “There are so many expenses—therapies, specialized education, medical care—and it can be difficult to navigate all of it on your own.”
Under Michella’s leadership, the foundation has worked tirelessly to advocate for inclusive education, partnering with schools and institutions to create environments where children with special needs are accepted and celebrated. “Education is about more than just academics,” Michella explains. “It’s about creating a space where every child feels valued, where they can learn and grow alongside their peers, regardless of their abilities.”
But the foundation’s work doesn’t stop at education. Michella has also focused on providing emotional support to families, recognizing that raising a child with special needs can be an isolating experience. Through counseling services, peer networks, and community events, the DR Family Foundation offers a lifeline to parents and caregivers who might otherwise feel alone in their journey. “We want to create a community where families can connect, share their experiences, and support each other,” Michella says. “Because no one should have to go through this alone.”
One of the foundation’s most ambitious projects is the construction of homes for children who are in crisis situations. “We’re working on building homes for kids who are in difficult family situations—whether it’s due to abuse, neglect, or other hardships,” Michella explains. “These children deserve a safe place where they can heal and thrive, and we’re committed to giving them that chance.” The foundation’s approach to these homes is holistic, providing shelter and access to counseling, education, and recreational activities that help children rebuild their lives in a supportive environment.
In addition to her work with the foundation, Michella has also envisioned creating a soccer team for children with disabilities in Australia. This initiative is about more than just sports; it’s about providing children with an opportunity to engage in physical activity, build confidence, and develop a sense of belonging. “Sports can be a powerful tool for building self-esteem and fostering inclusion,” Michella notes. “Every child deserves to feel like they’re part of a team, that they belong to something bigger than themselves.”
Michella’s efforts through the DR Family Foundation are challenging societal perceptions of children with special needs. She is passionate about raising awareness and promoting a culture of acceptance and inclusion. “Our differences are what make us unique,” she believes. “It’s about respect, empathy, and understanding—values that are at the heart of everything we do at the foundation.”
As the DR Family Foundation continues to grow, Michella remains deeply committed to her mission of creating a world where no child is left behind. “Every project we undertake is driven by the belief that every child deserves to be celebrated for who they are, not defined by their challenges,” she says. “We’re not just building a foundation; we’re building a future where every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.”
Michella’s journey from a young aspiring model to a leader in philanthropy is a testament to the power of determination and resilience and the impact one person can have on the lives of many. Her work with the DR Family Foundation is just beginning, and with her vision and dedication, the future looks bright for children with disabilities.
For those who want to follow Michella’s journey and stay updated on the DR Family Foundation’s initiatives, be sure to follow her on Instagram @princessmichella. With plans to expand the foundation’s reach and continue advocating for children with special needs, Michella Filipowitz is making a lasting difference, one child at a time.
Published By: Aize Perez
