The idea for Great Memories began with a familiar ache—the fear of losing the stories that connect us. As founders, our family experienced this fear realized among our family 'storytellers', some of whom have passed and some of whom are experiencing memory decline as they age. This personal journey became the inspiration for our work: to ensure that the voices of our loved ones and the stories they carry are never lost to time.
We believe that memories are meant to be shared. Our programs are designed to be more than a simple service; they are community gatherings where people can connect with family and friends. We provide a welcoming space for families to sort through old photos, tell stories, and create new memories while preserving old ones. We're committed to partnering with local organizations, like the King County Library System, to host free events in our local neighborhoods, fostering shared heritage and community connection.
The cost of professionally digitizing a family's memories can be a significant barrier. We remove this obstacle by offering our high-quality photo and media scanning services without the red tape that drives up costs. In fact, a large portion of our services are provided at no cost to King County families thanks to generous donations from the community. Our trained volunteers use professional-grade equipment to digitize everything from shoeboxes of loose photos to delicate scrapbooks, ensuring these priceless memories are preserved for future generations. We also offer educational workshops on topics like genealogy and storytelling, empowering people with the tools to continue documenting their own history.
At its heart, Great Memories is about love and legacy. Our work is a tribute to the storytellers in our own lives, and it's our way of helping others honor theirs. We have a special focus on serving those who are most at risk of losing their stories, including immigrant families, elders, and children in the foster care system. We believe that preserving these diverse narratives is essential for a stronger, more empathetic community. By creating a dedicated fund for "Lifebooks" for foster children and consciously choosing locations in historically marginalized communities, we are committed to ensuring that every person's story is heard, preserved, and cherished.
