Privacy & Data

Last updated: November 11, 2025

This Privacy & Data Policy explains what we collect through our website and online forms (the “Site”), how we use and protect it, and the choices you have.

1) Scope

Applies to Site visitors, clients seeking services, donors, and volunteers who submit info online. For in-person program records, we apply similar safeguards; ask us if you need details.

2) What we collect

  • Contact details: name, email, phone, address.

  • Service intake (if you apply for help): household size, age ranges, language preference, accessibility needs, appointment history, delivery notes.

  • Donations: name, email, billing/contact info, gift amount, frequency. We do not store full payment card numbers; payments are processed by third-party providers.

  • Volunteering: availability, skills, emergency contact; roles serving vulnerable populations may require background checks (processed by authorized vendors).

  • Communications: messages you send, survey responses, testimonials (optional, with consent).

  • Technical info: device/browser, IP address, pages viewed, and similar analytics via cookies or pixels.

We do not ask for Social Security numbers or government IDs through the Site.

3) Why we use your data

  • Operate programs: schedule pickups/deliveries, manage waitlists, verify eligibility as required, prevent duplicate records, provide reasonable accommodations.

  • Communicate: confirmations, reminders, program changes, donor receipts, volunteer updates.

  • Improve & secure the Site: debugging, analytics, fraud/spam prevention.

  • Compliance & reporting: required audits and grant reporting (shared in aggregate whenever possible).

  • With your permission: stories, photos, or quotes for impact reporting/communications (opt-in only).

4) Legal bases (where applicable)

We rely on consent, legitimate interests (program operations, fraud prevention), contract (when you sign up), and compliance with legal obligations. International visitors: your data will be processed in the United States.

5) Sharing

We do not sell or rent personal information. We share only with:

  • Service providers that help operate the Site and our programs (e.g., payment processors, email/SMS tools, scheduling, data hosting, background-check vendors); they must safeguard data and use it only for our instructions.

  • Program partners/funders as required, usually in de-identified or aggregated form.

  • Legal or safety needs (e.g., court order, preventing harm).

6) Cookies & analytics

  • Essential cookies keep forms and sessions working.

  • Analytics cookies measure traffic and improve usability.

  • Preferences remember language and accessibility choices.
    You can control cookies in your browser; blocking some may affect Site features. We honor local “do not track”/global privacy controls where feasible.

7) Data retention

We keep data only as long as needed for the purposes above:

  • Client records: typically the active service period + a limited period for audits (e.g., 3 years), then deletion or de-identification.

  • Donor & accounting records: typically up to 7 years to meet bookkeeping laws.

  • Volunteer records: for the active relationship + a reasonable period.
    Actual timelines may vary by law, grant, or audit requirement.

8) Security

We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards (access controls, encryption in transit, least-privilege access). No method is 100% secure; please report suspected issues via our Contact page.

9) Your choices & rights

Depending on your location, you may:

  • Access/Correct/Delete your information.

  • Opt out of non-essential emails or texts (use the unsubscribe link or tell us).

  • Limit use of sensitive data and request data portability (where applicable).

  • Non-discrimination: we won’t deny services for exercising privacy rights allowed by law.
    To make a request, use the Contact us/Reach Out page and state it’s a “Privacy Request.” We may need to verify your identity and respond within the legally required timeframe.

10) Children’s privacy

Our programs may serve families with children, but the Site is not intended for children to create accounts or submit data directly without a parent/guardian. We don’t knowingly collect personal information online from children under 13 without appropriate consent.

11) Photos, stories, and media

Using your photo, name, or story for public materials requires your explicit consent. You can withdraw consent for future use at any time; this won’t require us to recall printed or already-published materials.

12) Third-party links & embedded tools

Links or embeds (maps, schedulers, payment widgets) may collect data under their own policies. Review those providers’ notices; your use of them is at your discretion.

13) Changes to this policy

We may update this policy. The “Last updated” date reflects the latest version. Material changes will be noted on the Site.

14) How to contact us

For privacy questions or requests, please use the details on our Contact us / Reach Out page so we can route your inquiry to the right team.