Herbert and Minnie Cole Community Center

Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy

Your privacy matters to us, and we are committed to protecting the personal information you share when you visit our website, request services, volunteer, donate, or communicate with our team. This Privacy Policy explains what information we collect, how we use it, how we protect it, and the choices you have regarding your information. By using our website or engaging with our programs, you agree to the practices described in this policy. If you do not agree with any part of this Privacy Policy, we encourage you to discontinue use of the website and contact us directly for questions or support.

Our Commitment to Privacy

We believe privacy is a form of respect, especially for individuals and families seeking support during difficult seasons of life. Our organization serves the community through programs that may involve sensitive circumstances, including housing instability, financial hardship, childcare needs, youth support, and emotional wellness. Because of this, we take confidentiality seriously and treat personal information with care, discretion, and responsibility. We do not collect personal information simply to store it, and we do not use it in ways that conflict with the purpose for which it was provided. Our goal is to create a safe experience for every visitor and participant, ensuring that the information you share is handled with integrity and used only to support communication, services, and community-centered operations.

Information We Collect

The information we collect depends on how you interact with our website and services. In some cases, you may choose to provide personal information such as your name, phone number, email address, or details related to the assistance you are requesting. This may happen when you fill out a form, contact us for support, sign up for a program, or reach out regarding community services. We may also collect donation-related information if you make a contribution, such as confirmation details needed for receipts and recordkeeping. In addition to information you provide directly, we may collect limited non-personal information automatically through the website, such as general device details, browser type, pages visited, and approximate location data. This type of information helps us understand how our website is being used and supports improvements in performance and accessibility.

How We Collect Information

We collect information in several ways, including when you voluntarily submit it through our website forms, email communication, phone calls, or other direct contact methods. For example, if you request community support services, inquire about volunteer opportunities, or ask a question through a contact page, you may provide personal details so we can respond effectively. We may also collect information through donation platforms or service registration tools if those are available on our website. Additionally, certain information may be gathered automatically through cookies and similar technologies that support website functionality, track general usage patterns, and help ensure the website loads properly and securely. These tools do not typically identify you personally, but they can help us improve the overall user experience by showing which pages are most helpful and where visitors may need clearer information.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information collected to serve you better and to support the mission of our organization. This includes responding to inquiries, providing access to services, and communicating important information about programs, events, or community resources. When someone requests support such as childcare assistance, food or clothing resources, housing guidance, financial literacy information, or emotional wellness support, we use the information shared to understand needs and connect individuals to the right program or next step. If you sign up to volunteer or partner with us, we may use your information to coordinate schedules, share opportunities, and communicate expectations. Donation-related information may be used to process contributions, provide receipts, and maintain accurate financial records. We may also use general website data to improve the website’s content, functionality, and security, ensuring it remains accessible and useful for the community.

How We Protect Your Information

We take reasonable steps to protect personal information from unauthorized access, misuse, loss, or improper disclosure. We use administrative and operational safeguards to limit access to personal data, ensuring that only authorized individuals who need the information for legitimate purposes can access it. We also aim to use secure methods for storing and managing information, whether digital or physical. While no online platform can guarantee absolute security, we work to maintain a secure environment by using trusted website providers and secure systems where applicable. We encourage all users to protect their own information as well by using secure devices, avoiding sharing sensitive information in public settings, and contacting us directly if they believe their data may have been compromised or misused.

When We Share Information

We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties. Information is only shared when necessary for legitimate organizational purposes, such as providing services, processing donations, maintaining website operations, or complying with legal requirements. In some cases, we may use third-party service providers who assist with website hosting, donation processing, or communication tools. These providers are only given the information needed to perform their services and are expected to handle it responsibly. We may also share limited information when required by law, court order, or legal process, or when necessary to protect the safety and rights of individuals, families, volunteers, staff, or the public. If a situation poses a risk of harm or a serious safety concern, information may be disclosed to appropriate authorities to respond responsibly and protect those involved.

Cookies and Website Tracking

Our website may use cookies or similar technologies to improve functionality, enhance user experience, and help us understand how visitors interact with the site. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help websites load more efficiently and remember basic preferences. They can also provide insight into which pages are visited most often, how long visitors stay, and how the website is accessed. This information helps us improve the structure and clarity of our website so it better serves the community. You can adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies, but doing so may affect certain website features. We do not use cookies to collect highly sensitive personal information, and we aim to use tracking tools in a way that respects your privacy.

Third-Party Links

Our website may include links to third-party websites, resources, or community partners. These links are provided for convenience and informational purposes, but we do not control the privacy practices of external websites. Once you leave our website, any information you provide is governed by the privacy policy of the third-party site you are visiting. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any external websites you use, especially if you are submitting personal information. We are not responsible for the content, security, or privacy practices of third-party websites, even if they are linked through our site.

Children’s Privacy

We care deeply about the safety and well-being of children and families. Our website is not designed to intentionally collect personal information from children without appropriate adult involvement. If a child’s information is shared with us as part of a program inquiry or a childcare-related service request, it is handled with care and used only to support services. If you believe we may have collected information from a child inappropriately, please contact us so we can review the situation and take the necessary steps to remove or protect that information. We remain committed to maintaining respectful, responsible practices when supporting families and children in the community.

Your Choices and Access to Information

You have the right to request information about the personal data you have shared with us and to ask for corrections if something is inaccurate. If you would like to update your contact details, request removal of your information from certain communication lists, or ask questions about how your information is used, you may contact us directly. We aim to respond within a reasonable timeframe and will make efforts to honor your request in accordance with applicable laws and operational needs. In some situations, we may need to retain certain records for legal, financial, or program-related purposes, but we will always aim to do so responsibly and with respect for your privacy.

Updates to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in services, technology, legal requirements, or organizational operations. Any updates will be posted on this page with the revised effective date. We encourage visitors to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect and use information. Continued use of the website after updates are posted means you accept the updated terms. If we make major changes that significantly affect how personal information is handled, we will take reasonable steps to provide notice through the website or other appropriate communication channels.