Precious Words | A Guided Autobiography Facilitator Service

precious words inc.

Specializing in legacy creation, preservation & publishing services

"At the end of the day, we are not remembered for what we do, but who we impact" - Doug Smith

guided life story & Legacy workshops

Guided Autobiography is a structured reflective writing experience that invites older adults to explore, record, and share the stories that matter most.

Through gentle writing prompts and group sharing, participants gain perspective, strengthen memory, build connection, and leave a meaningful legacy for their families.

Research shows that life story sharing supports emotional wellbeing, cognitive engagement, and a sense of purpose, not just for the storyteller but for those who hear and cherish those stories.

UPCOMING EVENTS

6 Week Guided Life Story & Legacy Workshop Program (exclusive to community members)

*** Registration Open (See Dayna) ***

Where: Ballantrae Golf & Country Club

When: Tuesdays from September 8th – October 20th

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

What: Precious Words provides professionally facilitated life story and legacy writing services designed specifically for older adults and seniors. Our structured programs foster meaningful engagement, strengthen family connections, and help preserve personal histories, all within a warm, supportive environment.

Fee: $250.00 for the full 6 week session. Registration directly with Dayna at BGCC

Precious Words Presentation

(Open to residents, family members & friends)

Where: Amica Aurora Promenade

When: Friday September 18th, 2026 3:00 p.m.

What: Precious Words Founder, Todd Ritza offers an engaging, interactive presentation designed to introduce residents to the power of guided life story writing. During this session, participants will:

• Learn how the 4-week program works
• Discover the emotional and cognitive benefits of storytelling
• Participate in a short, guided writing exercise
• Experience firsthand the connection and enjoyment the workshop creates

This presentation is informative, inspiring, and fun.

Come ready to reflect and perhaps uncover a memory you haven’t revisited in years.

Fee: Free – For more information inquire with Gracie Gilliland

The Stories Behind the Photographs – One-Day Drop-In Workshop

*** Free Community Program – No Registration Required ***

Where: Richmond Hill Cultural Centre

When: Saturday, October 3rd 2026

Time: 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

What: Precious Words presents The Stories Behind the Photographs, an informal, drop-in storytelling experience that invites participants to explore archival photographs of Richmond Hill and discover the memories, stories and connections they may inspire. Browse photographs at your own pace, reflect, write or simply enjoy conversations with others. Optional Story Circles will provide an opportunity to share a memory or story inspired by a photograph. No writing experience is required, and participants are welcome to come for a few minutes or stay for the entire afternoon.

Fee: Free – presented by the Town of Richmond Hill

Active Aging Week Seminar

Seminar for Ballantrae Golf & Country Club Community Members

Where: Ballantrae Golf & Country Club

When: Tuesday, October 6th

Time: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

What: Precious Words presents an engaging seminar exploring the many dimensions of active aging and living well in the years ahead. Through conversation, reflection and practical insights, participants will be encouraged to consider how their experiences, relationships, interests and personal stories can contribute to a meaningful and fulfilling next chapter of life. The seminar offers an opportunity to pause, reflect and think intentionally about what matters most as we continue to age with purpose.

Fee: Complimentary for Ballantrae Golf & Country Club Community Members

Why Guided Life stories?

Because the transformative power of life stories have the ability to connect generations and build community, bridge diversity, and make us whole…….one story at a time.

Encouraging people to reflect on and share their life journeys reinforces the value of their experiences, not just to themselves but for their loved ones.

Guided Life Story Workshop Programs

A professionally facilitated 4-6 week structured writing series includes:

Weekly facilitated sessions
Guided writing prompts
Themed autobiographical development
Optional family engagement

Structured Family Engagement Options

Family contribution prompts
Optional milestone reading session
Invitation templates for photo and memory submissions

Ideal for communities seeking purposeful, intellectually engaging programming

Structured Enrollment Model

Defined program duration (4-6 weeks)
Pre-registration with capped cohort size
Consistent weekly session schedule
Program completion milestone

***Bestseller*** Unique Legacy Canvas Creation

Transform a life story into a timeless work of art.

Our 24″ x 18″ archival-quality canvas beautifully showcases an individual’s written life story alongside carefully selected photograph, professionally curated and designed to last for generations.

More than a gift, this is a legacy statement.

Families choose our Signature Legacy Canvas to celebrate milestone birthdays, retirements, anniversaries, career recognitions, and to preserve a lifetime of wisdom, values, and memories in a format that can be proudly displayed and passed down to next generations.

Manuscript to Publication Support

You’ve written your story, now let’s bring it to life.

Precious Words provides personalized support to guide you from completed manuscript to professionally published book. Whether your goal is a private family keepsake or a publicly available autobiography, we make the process clear, manageable, and rewarding.

Our services include:

• Professional interior manuscript formatting
• Platform-ready file preparation
• Print-on-demand setup and configuration
• Proof copy review and publishing guidance

We handle the technical details so you can focus on what matters most: sharing your story with confidence and pride.

Turn your life story into a book that can be held, gifted, and treasured for generations.