From starting her journey as a 15-year-old aspiring model who snuck out of her home to pursue her dreams, to establishing a foundation that aims to support and empower children with disabilities, Michella Filipowitz’s journey is one of a kind.
Businesswoman, model, and philanthropist, Michella Filipowitz grew up earlier than expected thanks to her love for modeling. Having tip-toed away at only 15 years of age, Filipowitz moved to Paris to try her luck in the industry, finding a lack of support or safe space, which led her to pivot her career to art dealing. “It’s unbelievable that you can own a piece of history in your home that tells the story of someone’s life and the experiences they went through,” she beams.
Fast forward to 23 years old, Filipowitz became a single mother. Little did she know her life would change when she faced the challenges of her child’s autism diagnosis. However, from this, her true purpose emerged, as her son Benjamin became the core inspiration for her philanthropic endeavors.
With no father figure in her life to guide her, and the Mom of a single child with autism, Filipowitz went in search of a school that didn’t discriminate concerning the inclusivity of children with disabilities. “These children don’t pick their lives. They’re born like that and we have to accept and support them. If children with disabilities are included in social activities, they become integrated more easily into society,” Filipowitz says.
Knowing firsthand how much financial and psychological effort is needed to raise and support a child with a disability, she set out to provide other families with the guidance they need by co-founding the DR Family Foundation.
The initiative assists families in Australia with the financial resources they need to pay excessive school fees and gives children with learning disabilities the start in life they need to integrate into society.
As the driving force behind this organization, her relentless commitment and visionary leadership have gone on to be a beacon of hope for countless families. Most of all, it has empowered many children on the spectrum to reach new heights in education and overcome barriers to health and social inclusion.
“I have such sympathy and empathy for every child and every family. I just want to bring my awareness to the community,” says Filipowitz. “I feel like In mainstream schools, they don’t want to accept some children that are on the spectrum because they think they’re too disruptive for
the other children, and so they’re just simply put into special schools. It’s not the solution.”
She continues, “All children should be together, and should understand diversity. I want it to feel like a community where you can come, hang out, and know that it is a safe place for everyone.”
To this end, the foundation works closely with other institutions and educational resources that share an immense passion for changing societal perceptions of special needs to ensure that children can benefit from its work regardless of their background or location.
The DR Family Foundation seeks to continue raising awareness by expanding its reach and envisioning a world where no child is left behind.
Another remarkable aspect of the incredible space is the emphasis on family-centered support. “We’re currently looking at building homes for kids who are in a bad family situation—children who are just going through a hard time,” she explains. “For example, maybe their family is going through a drug-related or abuse-related case, and they just can’t stay in their homes. We don’t want them to be homeless. We want them to have a chance in life.”
So, not only do they offer financial assistance, but also emotional support through counseling and peer networks.
Filipowitz’s ambition doesn’t stop there. Her passion has led her to envision creating a soccer team for children with disabilities in Australia. Such a loving network for support brings to the table resilience, hope, and most importantly, a sense of belonging to every child it touches. This demonstrates everyone’s differences are what makes them stronger and instills the importance of respect, inclusion, and empathy.
Every child should grow up to feel empowered and valued, and the DR Family Foundation has and will continue to build this mentality in every project they undertake. It’s time to create a space where every child is celebrated for their unique abilities, rather than defined by their disabilities.
If you’re interested in exploring more of Michella Filipowitz’s journey and how the DR Family Foundation is striving to advocate for children, be sure to follow her on Instagram @princessmichella.