Moving On
One day. One song. An impact that lasted for years.
Before Dreams Unfold had a name, the dream was already there.
In 2011, a group of young people in Chicago came together to create something of their own.
In collaboration with Chicago Youth Centers, we created an original song and music video in just one day. The young people wrote their own lyrics, recorded their own singing and rap performances and brought their ideas to life.
About Chicago Youth Centers
Founded in 1956, Chicago Youth Centers (CYC) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and young people thrive in communities across Chicago's South and West Sides. Through early learning, after-school enrichment and summer programs, CYC creates safe, supportive spaces where young people can explore their interests, develop skills and imagine new possibilities for their futures.
At the heart of CYC's work is the belief that every child deserves access to opportunities, resources and mentors. That belief is also what makes our 2011 Moving On project so meaningful to us: for one day, young people had the space to write their own lyrics, share their voices and create something together.
Moving On
Watch the original music video, created together with the young people of Chicago Youth Centers in 2011.
The moments behind the music
A glimpse into the creative process and the people who made this project possible.
“You made such a difference in uplifting the youth well past that one impactful day! Many thanks!”
Christy Beighe-Janke (Chicago Youth Centers)
"Years after Mike Attinger and his team produced the "Movin On" video, I visit the link and instantly recall the pride the young men took in this experience and how empowered and uplifting it was for our whole program. We were so lucky to have had this experience!"
The dream was already there.
Looking back at this project, I realise something I didn't fully understand back in 2011. It was never just about making music or producing a video. It was about giving young people an opportunity to express themselves, discover their talents and create something they could truly call their own.
Dreams Unfold may be a new initiative, but the belief behind it has been with me for a very long time. Because sometimes, one opportunity can mean so much more than we realise.
— Mike Attinger, Founder of Dreams Unfold
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