Privacy Policy
This Privacy Policy describes how Open Arms Initiative ("Open Arms," "we," "us," or "our") handles information collected through openarmz.org (the "Site") and the programs, communications, and community-support activities we offer (together, the "Services"). Please read it alongside our Terms of Use; if the two ever conflict, the Terms of Use control to the extent the law allows.
1. Who we are
Open Arms Initiative is a community-focused organization that supports families and neighbors through donations, education, and resource connections. We are not a legal, medical, or financial service provider.
2. Information we collect
We collect three broad categories of information:
- Information you give us directly. For example, your name, email address, phone number, mailing address, donation and billing details processed by our payment providers, volunteer interests, event RSVPs, and anything else you choose to share when you contact us or fill out a form.
- Information collected automatically. When you browse the Site, we (or our analytics providers) may record technical data such as IP address, approximate location, device and browser type, pages viewed, referring URLs, and timestamps. We use cookies, local storage, and similar technologies to keep the Site working and to remember preferences like your selected language.
- Communications. If you call, text, email, or message us, we may keep records of those exchanges, including call audio recorded for quality, training, and recordkeeping purposes.
3. How we use information
We use the information we collect to:
- operate the Site, run our programs, and respond to your requests;
- process donations, issue receipts, and acknowledge support;
- schedule volunteers and coordinate events;
- send program updates, newsletters, and transactional messages you have asked for;
- understand how our outreach is working so we can improve it;
- keep the Site, our records, and our community safe; and
- comply with applicable laws and respond to lawful requests.
4. Text messages (SMS)
If you opt in, Open Arms may send you SMS messages for things like event reminders, volunteer scheduling, donation receipts, and program updates. We do not sell mobile numbers, and no mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Standard message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to unsubscribe or HELP for help, or contact us using the address below.
5. How we share information
We do not sell your personal information. We share information only in limited situations:
- Service providers. Vendors that help us run the Site and Services (hosting, email, SMS, payment processing, analytics, customer support) may handle information on our behalf under appropriate confidentiality terms.
- Community partners. When you ask us to connect you with a program partner or referral resource, we share what is needed to make the connection.
- Legal and safety. We may disclose information when we believe it is reasonably necessary to comply with law, enforce our agreements, investigate suspected misuse, or protect the rights, property, or safety of Open Arms, our community, or others.
- Business changes. If Open Arms merges, reorganizes, or transfers assets, information may move as part of that transaction.
- With your consent. We may share information in other ways you direct or agree to.
- De-identified data. We may share aggregated or de-identified information that does not reasonably identify you.
6. How we protect information
We use administrative, technical, and physical safeguards consistent with generally accepted practices to protect the information we hold. No system is perfectly secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
7. How long we keep information
We retain information for as long as needed to run our programs, meet recordkeeping and tax obligations, resolve disputes, and enforce our agreements. Specific retention periods depend on the type of information and the reason it was collected.
8. Your choices
Depending on where you live, you may have the right to ask us to access, correct, or delete information we hold about you, or to opt out of certain uses. You can also:
- unsubscribe from email updates using the link in any newsletter;
- reply STOP to any text message to stop receiving SMS; and
- set your browser to limit cookies (note that the Site may not work as well).
To make a privacy request, write to us at the address in Section 11. We may need to verify your identity before we can respond, and we may decline requests when the law allows us to (for example, where complying would compromise security, conflict with legal obligations, or affect the rights of others).
9. Children
Our Services are intended for adults. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from anyone under 17. If you believe a minor has provided us information directly, please contact us so we can remove it or route future communications through a parent or legal guardian.
10. Changes to this Policy
We may update this Policy from time to time. The "Effective Date / Last Updated" line at the top shows when it was last revised. If you continue to use the Site or Services after an update, you accept the revised Policy to the extent permitted by law.
11. How to reach us
Questions about this Policy? Write to us at:
Open Arms InitiativeAttn: Privacy
2028 E Ben White Blvd, Suite 240-2533
Austin, TX 78741