Storytelling that heals, connects, and builds the future.

At Once Upon Our Time Capsule, we turn storytelling into a community-building tool. Rooted in creative expression and the timeless concept of the time capsule, we help people — especially youth — explore their past, connect in the present, and shape the future. We begin with a simple question:

What would you put in a time capsule?

How THE TIME CAPSULE works

  • Child with glasses smiling and raising left arm, wearing a navy blue shirt, sitting in a classroom setting.

    Each year, we launch a new Youth Time Capsule with a unique theme and a vibrant arts-infused curriculum.

  • Children participating in an arts and crafts activity around a table covered with a striped tablecloth. The table is filled with paper, markers, colored pencils, and craft materials. Children are focused on drawing and crafting.

    In schools, after-school programs, summer camps, and homeless shelters, youth use writing, art, and video to create and share artifacts for the digital time capsule capturing who they are today and what they hope for the future.

  • Two teachers standing in front of a classroom whiteboard, smiling and holding books and papers. A classroom setting with students raising hands, colorful posters, and educational materials displayed on the walls.

    When the Time Capsule is reopened, participants are reconnected with the stories they preserved and can reflect on how far they’ve come. 

Helping Kids Feel Seen, Heard, and ConnecteD

Today’s young people are facing record levels of loneliness and disconnection. Around the world, rates of adolescent loneliness have nearly doubled — and many students are struggling to feel connected, confident, and supported at school.

Once Upon Our Time Capsule uses storytelling and creative expression to help kids build confidence, strengthen relationships, and dream boldly about their future. Through art, theater, writing, and reflection, we create joyful spaces where young people feel valued, understood, and inspired.

Our Impact on Young People:

  • 82% said the Time Capsule program helped them learn more about who they are — building stronger self-esteem.

  • 83% said they enjoyed school more on days they participated — making school a place they want to be.

  • 81% said their peers and teachers understand them better after the program, building connection and community

  • 93% of youth said they want to participate again, evidence of the joy and high level of engagement we see in each program

OUR Partners

Our flexible, project-based curriculum adapts across schools, out-of-school time programs, and community settings. We primarily serve youth in grades 3–8, a stage when questions of identity, belonging, and self-expression are especially present. Partners include public schools and charter networks, refugee and newcomer support centers, shelters and transitional housing, gun violence prevention programs, programs for youth with disabilities, and government agencies.... Reach out to us at hello@ourtimecapsule.org with ways you want to partner.

  • Chicago Urban League logo with text 'Opportunity. Community. Impact.'
  • Chicago Public Schools logo with silhouettes of students and graduate.
  • Logo of Communities In Schools Chicago, featuring a stylized house and figures in blue, green, and red above the text.
  • Logo with the word 'WINGS' and the tagline 'helping kids soar', featuring two blue wing illustrations.
  • YMCA logo with blue "Y" and purple triangle
  • Logo of DREAM Charter School with a red shield design.
  • International Rescue Committee logo with a black arrow and text on a yellow background.
  • Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago logo with interlocking blue hands graphic.
  • Logo of KIPP Chicago, College Prep Public Schools, featuring a blue font on a white background.

  • "I loved seeing some of the most shy students begin to open up and show bravery by participating and sharing their ideas with the whole class... The attendance for the program is also one of the highest for after school, which highlights how engaging the program is for our students."


    — Mary Hayes, Counselor, Chavez elementary school, Chicago

  • “Our students benefited so much. It really gave them a chance to reflect on their own identity, their own culture, and what makes them special and unique."

    — Monica Balesh, Counselor, Philip D. Armour Elementary School, Chicago

  • "The best thing about the program is that it is truly a time during the school day for our students to reflect on their personal stories... to better understand who they are and where they are from, not to mention thinking about what their futures hold."


    — Erica Fouser, Counselor, Lawndale Community Academy, Chicago

  • "The program created a space where my shy 7th and 8th graders began opening up in meaningful ways... The program’s dual-language approach ensured our newcomer students felt their voices and stories mattered equally."


    — Lisa Siciliano-Riffenburg, Teacher, Patrick Henry Elementary School, Chicago

  • "The time capsule is a powerful addition to any core curriculum. It empowers students to share, engage, and reveal their most authentic selves... It fosters a sense of pride as they joyfully document each part of their learning journey."


    — Valerie Green, Teacher, MS 390, New York City

  • "One of the things I appreciated about this program is that it allowed me to set aside time for a structured and intentional opportunity to connect with my students. It brought so much joy to my students. It reminded me why I love teaching."

    — Brooke Nenadal, Teacher, Williamsport, PA

thanks to our supporters

  • MacArthur Foundation logo in blue and green text on a white background.
  • The word "INNOVATION" with "800" above the last "O" in orange.
  • Wintrust logo with "In the community" text below.
  • Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses logo
  • Logo of Polk Bros Foundation with colored bar
  • Logo of Bloomberg Philanthropies in purple text on a white background.
  • Crown Family Philanthropies logo with abstract design and text.
  • Cognia logo with stylized black text and a red dot accent.
  • Logo of Frechette Family Foundation with stylized tree icon.