Endependence Center, Inc (“we,” “our,” or “us”) is committed to safeguarding the privacy of visitors and users (“you”) of our website, https://endependence.org/ (the “Website”), and any associated services. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and disclose your personal information, including any information collected in connection with our text messaging services (“SMS Services”). By visiting and interacting with our Website or opting into our SMS Services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.
1. INFORMATION COLLECTION
1.1 Personal Details
We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including but not limited to:
- Name
- Email address
- Mailing address
- Phone number
- Any other data you submit through Website forms or communications
1.2 Text Message Opt-In Information
If you choose to receive text messages from us, we may collect your phone number and other pertinent details to facilitate our SMS Services. We handle this information in accordance with The Campaign Registry (TCR) compliance requirements, ensuring you receive only the messages you have expressly consented to receive.
1.3 Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our Website, we may automatically collect certain information about your device, browsing behavior, and usage patterns. This may include:
- IP addresses
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies
- Browser type and operating system
- Referring URLs and pages viewed
We use this information to analyze trends, administer the site, and improve overall user experience.
2. USE OF INFORMATION
2.1 General Purposes
We may use the personal information you provide to:
- Responding to inquiries or providing consumer support.
- Provide updates or other relevant information about our services.
- Analyze and improve our Website’s functionality, content, and user experience.
- Comply with legal obligations and protect our rights and agreements.
2.2 Text Message Opt-In Information
Your phone number and related details collected for SMS Services will be used solely to send you service-related text messages and updates that you have opted in to receive. We may send the following messages:
- Conversational messages are two-way between you and ECI staff, and are intended to share and collect information in order to provide services.
- Notification messages are intended to share important, time-sensitive information, such as unexpected office closures or event cancellations.
- Other relevant notices or service updates
These activities are fully compliant with TCR guidelines, meaning:
- We obtain explicit consent before sending marketing or promotional messages.
- You retain the right to opt out at any time by replying with the keyword “STOP” or as otherwise instructed in each message.
3. INFORMATION SHARING
3.1 General
We will not share, sell, rent, or disclose your personal information to third parties except under the following circumstances:
- When required by law, regulation, legal process, or governmental request.
- When necessary to protect our rights, property, or safety, or that of our users or others.
- The information belongs to a program participant who has a current, signed Uniform Authorization to Use and Exchange Authorization with the receiving party to release such information on file
3.2 Text Message Opt-In Information
We will not share or sell your phone number, SMS opt-in data, consent records, or related personal information with any third parties unless mandated by law. We may, however, use trusted third-party service providers (e.g., SMS platforms or aggregators) solely for the purpose of delivering text messages in compliance with TCR requirements. These service providers are contractually obligated to protect your information and may not use it for any other purpose.
4. DATA PROTECTION
We employ reasonable security measures and industry-standard technologies to safeguard your personal information against loss, misuse, and unauthorized access. Despite our efforts, no method of data transmission over the internet or electronic storage can be guaranteed to be 100% secure. Therefore, we cannot warrant the absolute security of your data.
When personal information is submitted through our website, it is transmitted via a secure process and sent directly to designated Endependence Center staff, such as a Manager or Director, through an internal email system. Only individuals who are authorized to receive this information are granted access.
Only Managers and Directors, who have undergone internal verification, are permitted to update or manage website content. These measures help ensure that your information is handled responsibly and in accordance with our commitment to privacy and data security.
5. THIRD-PARTY SERVICES
Our Website may contain links to third-party websites, tools, or services that are not operated or controlled by us. We are not responsible for the privacy practices, content, or policies of these third parties. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party websites you visit or services you use.
6. CHILDREN’S PRIVACY
Our Website and SMS Services are not intended for individuals under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If we discover that a child under 13 has provided us with personal information without parental consent, we will promptly delete such information from our systems.
7. TCR (THE CAMPAIGN REGISTRY) COMPLIANCE
7.1 Registration and Consent
- We register our SMS campaigns with TCR as required for Application-to-Person (A2P) messaging to ensure our messaging practices comply with carrier and regulatory guidelines.
- By opting into our SMS Services, you consent to receive text messages at the mobile number you provide.
7.2 Messaging Frequency and Opt-Out
- Message frequency may vary depending on your interactions and the type of information requested.
- You may opt out at any time by replying “STOP” to any text message we send or by contacting us using the information in the Get in Touch section. After opting out, you will receive one final confirmation message stating that you have been unsubscribed.
7.3 Data Handling and Storage
- Your phone number and any associated messaging data are stored and processed with TCR-compliant service providers.
- SMS opt-in or phone numbers for the purpose of the SMS are not shared with any third party or affiliate company for marketing purposes.
- We retain your data only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Policy or as required by law.
7.4 Carrier Liability
- We are not responsible for delays or issues caused by carriers.
- Standard messaging and data rates may apply based on your mobile plan and carrier.
8. AMENDMENTS TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or for other operational, legal, or regulatory reasons. Any changes will become effective immediately upon posting the revised Privacy Policy on our Website, with the updated effective date. We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to remain informed about our privacy practices.
9. GET IN TOUCH
If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us at:
- Email: ecinorf@endependence.org
- Phone: 757-481-8007
- Mail: 6300 E. Virginia Beach Blvd., Norfolk, VA 23452
By using our Website and/or opting into our SMS Services, you acknowledge that you have read and understood this Privacy Policy and agree to its terms.
Approved 07/09/2025
