When Michella Filipowitz made the move from Miami to Sydney, she expected the usual difficulties that come with settling into a new country. However, nothing could have fully prepared her for the unique challenges she would encounter as a single mother to a child with autism. Taking action into her own hands, she went on to co-found the DR Family Foundation in Australia.
Michella Filipowitz, co-founder of the DR Family Foundation, is not only a model and business owner but also a dedicated philanthropist who is passionate about creating opportunities for children with disabilities. After becoming a single mother at the age of 23 and navigating the complexities of her son’s autism diagnosis, she channeled her personal experiences into a broader mission to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
Today, her foundation offers educational support to children with disabilities who might otherwise miss out on such opportunities. Additionally, she is in the process of establishing a shelter for children from underprivileged backgrounds.
“At the moment, we are covering the school fees for some children here in Australia, and we’re planning to open a home for kids who are in difficult family situations,” she explains. Set to open next summer, Filipowitz notes that this shelter will be more than just a temporary residence; it will be a community hub where people can find resources, safety, and support.
When asked about her motivation for this journey, she reflects, “I have a deep compassion for every child and family, and I want to bring that awareness to the community.”
Having once watched other children play together while her son played alone, Filipowitz was compelled to confront the shortcomings of today’s societal and educational systems. Despite the fact that 1 in 36 children are diagnosed with autism, these children are often marginalized and denied equal opportunities to succeed.
“In Australia, the support system is much weaker compared to Miami,” she observes. “Finding schools that would accept him has been a major challenge, especially now as he’s about to start kindergarten.”
Filipowitz recalls visiting several private schools, only to be turned away because they “lack the willingness or resources to assist children who need extra support.”
“I believe mainstream schools hesitate to accept children on the spectrum because they perceive them as too disruptive to other students,” she says. Filipowitz argues that simply placing these children in “special schools” is not the right approach.
When asked how Australia’s education system could improve for children with disabilities, she suggests more inclusive classrooms where children learn to respect each other’s differences. “These kids didn’t choose their circumstances,” she emphasizes. “They’re born this way, and it’s our responsibility to support and accept them.”
Reflecting on her time in Miami, Filipowitz shares how she found an excellent school for her son, Benjamin. Before enrolling, he was non-verbal, but with the help of dedicated teachers and staff, he began to speak Spanish, read, and develop his cognitive abilities.
“His progress far exceeded my expectations,” she says. Inspired by this experience, Filipowitz is convinced that integrating children with disabilities into society helps them thrive, as opposed to isolating them in schools that reinforce their differences.
Fortunately, Filipowitz’s search for a school in Sydney for her son has recently come to a successful conclusion. Benjamin was accepted into a public school, marking a significant milestone in their journey.
“I was overwhelmed with emotion and cried in the car,” she recalls. “The principal was so supportive and mentioned that there are other children with disabilities at the school who are integrating wonderfully.”
Filipowitz’s goal is for the education system to include children with disabilities more fully in the classroom, encouraging other students to play with them, spend time with them, and accept them as they are.
Recognizing that such change won’t come easily, Filipowitz is driving her vision forward through the DR Family Foundation. Along with providing educational opportunities, the foundation is planning to start a soccer team for children with disabilities, offering them a space to play, socialize, and be part of a supportive community.
“I want it to be a place where everyone can come together, feel welcomed, and know that they’re safe,” Filipowitz concludes. Her dream is to create an environment where every child, regardless of their abilities, background, or family situation, has the resources and support to thrive.
Though raising her son has come with significant challenges, it has also fueled Filipowitz’s desire to help other parents facing similar journeys. To stay updated on Michella Filipowitz’s work and philanthropy, you can follow her on Instagram @princessmichella.
Written in partnership with Tom White.
