At just 15 years old, Michella Filipowitz embarked on a life-changing adventure, leaving her home to pursue her dreams of modelling in Paris. This bold leap into the fashion world marked the beginning of a journey that would lead her to her true calling: advocating for children with special needs through her work with the DR Family Foundation.
Years later, as a single mother, Michella faced one of the greatest challenges of her life when her son Benjamin was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. Navigating this diagnosis opened her eyes to the immense struggles faced by families with children who have disabilities. “It was overwhelming,” she admits. “I realized that many families like mine are left without proper support or resources.”
Determined to make a difference, Michella co-founded the DR Family Foundation, a charity focused on helping children with special needs. The foundation works to provide children with disabilities the opportunities they need to thrive, offering everything from financial support for schooling to creating safe, supportive environments where they can feel accepted.
One of the foundation’s primary missions is to ensure that children with disabilities are included in mainstream education. “I’ve seen firsthand how hard it can be to find a school that accepts children like Benjamin,” she explains. “These kids shouldn’t be pushed aside. They deserve to be part of the same world as everyone else.”
Michella’s vision for a more inclusive world goes beyond education. She is currently working on developing a shelter for children from challenging family backgrounds, a project that aims to offer them not only housing but a sense of community. “We want these children to have a place where they feel safe and supported, no matter their circumstances,” she says. “It’s about giving them a place where they belong.”
For Michella, inclusion is about more than just academic opportunities—it’s about providing children with the tools to engage socially and emotionally. One of the upcoming projects she’s particularly excited about is starting a soccer team for children with disabilities. “Sports can be a powerful way to help kids connect with each other and build their confidence,” she adds. “We want to show them that they’re capable of achieving so much.”
Michella’s passion for creating a more inclusive society stems from her personal experience raising Benjamin. “I remember watching him sit alone while other children played together, and it broke my heart,” she reflects. “No child should feel like they don’t belong.”
Through her work with the DR Family Foundation, Michella is determined to break down barriers and change how society views children with disabilities. “These children didn’t choose their circumstances,” she says. “We need to help them reach their potential by offering them the support they deserve.”
Michella’s efforts to create a more inclusive world are already making a significant impact. Through her foundation, she is providing not only financial assistance but also emotional and psychological support to families who need it most. “Our foundation isn’t just about giving money; it’s about creating a supportive network for families who feel isolated and overwhelmed,” she says.
Looking to the future, Michella dreams of a society where children with disabilities are fully integrated and celebrated for their unique qualities. “It’s time to stop treating them like they’re different or separate,” she insists. “Every child has the right to be part of our world.”
Michella’s journey from a young model in Paris to a leading advocate for children with special needs is a testament to her resilience and dedication. “I’ve learned so much from Benjamin,” she says. “He’s shown me the power of acceptance, love, and perseverance.”
Through the DR Family Foundation, Michella continues to push for a world where all children are embraced for who they are. “Every child deserves to feel valued,” she concludes. “And that’s what we’re working towards, one step at a time.”
To follow Michella Filipowitz’s work and learn more about the DR Family Foundation, visit her Instagram @princessmichella.