Website Privacy Policy

Last modified: 10/28/24 

Introduction

FamilyMeans ("Company" or "We") respect your privacy and are committed to protecting it through our compliance with this policy.

This policy describes the types of information we may collect from you or that you may provide when you visit the website (www.familymeans.org) (our "Website") and our practices for collecting, using, maintaining, protecting, and disclosing that information.

This policy applies to the information we collect:

  • On this Website.
  • In email, text, and other electronic messages between you and this Website.

It does not apply to information collected by:

  • Us offline or through any other means, including on any other website operated by Company or any third party including our affiliates and subsidiaries); or 
  • Any third party including our affiliates and subsidiaries, including through any application or content that may link to or be accessible from or through the Website.

Please read this policy carefully to understand our policies and practices regarding your information and how we will treat it. If you do not agree with our policies and practices, your choice is not to use our website. By accessing or using this Website, you agree to this privacy policy. This policy may change from time to time (see Changes to Our Privacy Policy). Your continued use of this Website after we make changes is deemed to be acceptance of those changes, so please check the policy periodically for updates. 

Text Messaging Opt-In

By providing your mobile phone number, you consent to receive text messages (SMS) from FamilyMeans.  These messages may include information related to our services. FamilyMeans does not share the mobile subscriber information with third parties, affiliates, or for marketing or promotional purposes.  Message and data rates may apply.

Information We Collect About You and How We Collect It

We collect several types of information from and about users of our Website, including information:

  • By which you may be personally identified, such as name, postal address, email address, telephone number, or any other identifier by which you may be contacted online or offline ("personal information");
  • That is about you but individually does not identify you, such as; and/or
  • About your internet connection, the equipment you use to access our Website, and usage details.

We collect this information:

  • Directly from you when you provide it to us.
  • Automatically as you navigate through the site. Information collected automatically may include usage details, IP addresses, and information collected through cookies, Google Analytics, and other tracking technologies.
  • From third parties, for example, our business partners .

Information You Provide to Us  

The information we collect on or through our Website may include:

  • Information that you provide by filling in forms on our Website. This includes information provided at the time. We may also ask you for information when you report a problem with our Website.
  • Records and copies of your correspondence (including email addresses), if you contact us.
  • Your responses to surveys that we might ask you to complete for research purposes.
  • Your search queries on the Website.

Information We Collect Through Automatic Data Collection Technologies  

As you navigate through and interact with our Website, we may use automatic data collection technologies to collect certain information about your equipment, browsing actions, and patterns, including:

  • Details of your visits to our Website, including traffic data, location data, logs, and other communication data and the resources that you access and use on the Website.
  • Information about your computer and internet connection, including your IP address, operating system, and browser type.

The information we collect automatically is only statistical data and does not include personal information. It helps us to improve our Website and to deliver a better and more personalized service, including by enabling us to:

  • Estimate our audience size and usage patterns.
  • Speed up your searches.
  • Recognize you when you return to our Website.

The technologies we use for this automatic data collection may include:

  • Cookies (or browser cookies). A cookie is a small file placed on the hard drive of your computer. You may refuse to accept browser cookies by activating the appropriate setting on your browser. However, if you select this setting, you may be unable to access certain parts of our Website. Unless you have adjusted your browser setting so that it will refuse cookies, our system will issue cookies when you direct your browser to our Website. For information about managing your privacy and security settings for cookies, see Choices About How We Use and Disclose Your Information.
  • Web Beacons. Pages of our Website and our emails may contain small electronic files known as web beacons (also referred to as clear gifs, pixel tags, and single-pixel gifs) that permit the Company, for example, to count users who have visited those pages or [opened an email] and for other related website statistics (for example, recording the popularity of certain website content and verifying system and server integrity). 

Third-Party Use of Cookies and Other Tracking Technologies

Some content or applications on the Website are served by third parties, including advertisers, ad networks and servers, content providers, and application providers. These third parties may use cookies alone or in conjunction with web beacons or other tracking technologies to collect information about you when you use our website. The information they collect may be associated with your personal information or they may collect information, including personal information, about your online activities over time and across different websites and other online services. 

We do not control these third parties' tracking technologies or how they may be used. If you have any questions about an advertisement or other targeted content, you should contact the provider responsible directly. For information about how you can opt out of receiving targeted advertising from many providers, see Choices About How We Use and Disclose Your Information.

How We Use Your Information

We use information that we collect about you or that you provide to us, including any personal information:

  • To present our Website and its contents to you.
  • To provide you with information, products, or services that you request from us.
  • To fulfill any other purpose for which you provide it.
  • To carry out our obligations and enforce our rights arising from any contracts entered into between you and us, including for billing and collection.
  • To notify you about changes to our Website or any products or services we offer or provide though it.
  • In any other way we may describe when you provide the information.
  • For any other purpose with your consent.

Disclosure of Your Information

We may disclose aggregated information about our users, and information that does not identify any individual, without restriction. 

We may disclose personal information that we collect, or you provide as described in this privacy policy:

  • To our subsidiaries and affiliates.
  • To contractors, service providers, and other third parties we use to support our business and who are bound by contractual obligations to keep personal information confidential and use it only for the purposes for which we disclose it to them.
  • To a buyer or other successor in the event of a merger, divestiture, restructuring, reorganization, dissolution, or other sale or transfer of some or all of FamilyMeans assets, whether as a going concern or as part of bankruptcy, liquidation, or similar proceeding, in which personal information held by FamilyMeans about our Website users is among the assets transferred.
  • For any other purpose disclosed by us when you provide the information.
  • With your consent.

We may also disclose your personal information:

  • To comply with any court order, law, or legal process, including responding to any government or regulatory request.
  • If we believe disclosure is necessary or appropriate to protect the rights, property, or safety of FamilyMeans, our clients, or others. This includes exchanging information with other companies and organizations for the purposes of fraud protection and credit risk reduction.

Choices About How We Use and Disclose Your Information

We strive to provide you with choices regarding the personal information you provide us with. We have created mechanisms to provide you with the following control over your information: 

  • Tracking Technologies and Advertising. You can set your browser to refuse all or some browser cookies, or to alert you when cookies are being sent. If you disable or refuse cookies, please note that some parts of this site may then be inaccessible or not function properly.

Your State Privacy Rights

State consumer privacy laws may provide their residents with additional rights regarding our use of their personal information. 

Data Security

We have implemented measures designed to secure your personal information from accidental loss and from unauthorized access, use, alteration, and disclosure. All the information you provide to us is stored on our secure servers behind firewalls. Any payment transactions will be encrypted.

Unfortunately, the transmission of information via the internet is not completely secure. Although we do our best to protect your personal information, we cannot guarantee the security of your personal information transmitted to our Website. Any transmission of personal information is at your own risk. We are not responsible for circumvention of any privacy settings or security measures contained on the Website. 

Changes to Our Privacy Policy

It is our policy to post any changes we make to our privacy policy on this page with a notice that the privacy policy has been updated on the Website home page. If we make material changes to how we treat our users' personal information, we will notify you through a notice on the Website home page. The date the privacy policy was last revised is identified at the top of the page. You are responsible for ensuring we have an up-to-date active and deliverable email address for you, and for periodically visiting our Website and this privacy policy to check for any changes.

 

FamilyMeans Privacy Policy for SMS Messaging

Effective Date: 12/2/2024

Introduction
At FamilyMeans, your privacy is critically important to us. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information when you opt into our SMS messaging program. By opting into our SMS service, you agree to the terms outlined below, which are in compliance with the latest 2024 regulations under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the Campaign Registry guidelines.

1. Information We Collect

When you opt-in to receive SMS messages from us, we collect the following information:

  • Phone Number: The mobile number provided during the opt-in process.
  • Message Interaction Data: Includes information such as delivery status, response data, and message engagement rates.
  • Consent Data: We maintain records of when and how you provided consent to receive SMS messages, including the method of opt-in (e.g., web form, keyword, or verbal consent).

2. How We Use Your Information

We use your information to:

  • Send text messages based on the preferences you indicated when opting in, such as promotional offers, updates, or alerts.
  • Ensure compliance with federal regulations, including the TCPA.
  • Monitor and improve our SMS services by tracking engagement metrics.

Your information will only be used for the purpose specified at the time of opt-in and will not be used to send unrelated messages.

3. One-to-One Consent Requirement

In line with FCC regulations (March 2024), your SMS opt-in applies to communications from FamilyMeans only. Your consent to receive SMS messages is specific to our company and does not extend to third-party businesses or affiliates unless explicitly stated and separately agreed upon.

4. Message Frequency and Data Rates

Please note that message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier and plan. We encourage you to review your carrier's terms for more details on messaging fees.

5. Opt-Out Instructions

You can opt out of our SMS service at any time by replying with “STOP” to any message you receive from us. Once you opt out, you will immediately cease receiving further messages unless you opt back in. For help, you can reply with “HELP” or contact us directly at FamilyMeans@FamilyMeans.org or 651-439-4840

6. Data Sharing and Disclosure

We will never share or sell your information to third parties for marketing purposes without your explicit consent. We may, however, share your information with trusted third-party service providers for the purpose of facilitating SMS delivery (e.g., telecommunications providers). All such parties are bound by strict confidentiality agreements and are prohibited from using your data for any purpose other than SMS delivery.

In compliance with Do Not Call (DNC) Registry regulations (2024), you have the right to register your number with the National DNC Registry. If you are on the DNC Registry, we will not send you promotional SMS messages unless you have provided express consent to do so.

7. Security of Your Information

We take reasonable measures to protect the information you provide from unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee the absolute security of your data during transmission or storage.

8. Record-Keeping and Proof of Consent

As required by the TCPA and Campaign Registry guidelines, we maintain records of all opt-ins and opt-outs, including timestamps and the method of consent. These records are kept securely and may be used to demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements if needed.

9. Changes to This Policy

We reserve the right to update or modify this Privacy Policy at any time. Any significant changes will be communicated via SMS or on our website. Continued use of our SMS service after any changes indicates your acceptance of the revised policy. Please check back periodically to stay informed of any updates.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy or wish to update your SMS preferences, you can contact us at:

FamilyMeans

1875 Northwestern Ave S, Stillwater MN 55082

651-439-4840 or familymeans@familymeans.org

National Do Not Call Registryhttps://www.donotcall.gov/

Key 2024 Compliance Elements:

  • One-to-One Consent: Consumers are only giving consent to receive messages from the specific business they opt into, not from multiple parties
  • Clear Disclosures: The policy includes clear language about the nature of the messages, frequency, potential charges, and opt-out mechanisms
  • Do Not Call Protections: The policy reflects the latest FCC guidance that DNC protections apply to SMS, making it clear that businesses must adhere to DNC regulations
  • Data Sharing and Record-Keeping: Emphasizes the importance of maintaining proof of consent and clear guidelines on how data is shared for operational purposes.

This updated Privacy Policy example aligns with current 2024 TCPA and FCC guidelines, ensuring your business remains compliant while fostering transparency with consumers.

 

FamilyMeans SMS Terms and Conditions

Effective Date: 12/2/2024


1. Introduction

By opting into the SMS program provided by FamilyMeans, you agree to receive recurring text messages to the phone number you provided. These messages may include promotional offers, updates, and alerts related to our products and services. By participating, you agree to these Terms and Conditions, which comply with the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the FCC’s 2024 guidelines.

2. Opt-In Consent

In accordance with the 2024 TCPA guidelines, your participation in our SMS service requires explicit one-to-one consent. This means that by opting in, you consent to receive messages from FamilyMeans only. Consent cannot be shared with other companies or third-party entities without your direct approval.

To join our SMS program, you may opt in through:

  • Web Form: By checking a clearly labeled box during the opt-in process.
  • Verbal or In-Person Consent: In certain cases, if allowed, your verbal consent can be captured and documented.

By opting in, you acknowledge that your consent to receive SMS messages is not a condition of any purchase. You may receive promotional or informational messages as specified at the time of opt-in.

3. Message Frequency

The number of messages you receive will vary based on your interaction with our services. Message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier and plan.

4. Opt-Out Process

You can opt out of receiving SMS messages from FamilyMeans at any time by replying with the word “STOP” to any text message you receive from us. Once you opt out, you will not receive any further messages unless you choose to opt back in. For assistance, you can reply “HELP” for further instructions or contact us directly at 651-439-4840.

5. Terms of Consent

By opting into this SMS program, you agree to receive SMS messages from FamilyMeans in compliance with the TCPAand the FCC's 2024 guidelines. All messages will be logically and topically related to your interaction with our services and products.

Your consent is specific to FamilyMeans, and it does not extend to third-party businesses or affiliates unless explicitly stated at the time of opt-in, as mandated by the FCC's one-to-one consent rule introduced in 2024.

6. Privacy Policy

We take your privacy seriously. By opting into our SMS services, you agree to our Privacy Policy (see above), which explains how we collect, use, and protect your personal information. Your phone number and interaction data will only be used for the purposes of delivering the SMS messages outlined in this agreement.

7. Message and Data Rates

Message and data rates may apply, depending on your mobile service provider and plan. FamilyMeans is not responsible for any fees charged by your carrier for receiving or sending messages related to our service.

8. Record-Keeping and Compliance

We maintain detailed records of when and how you provided consent to receive SMS messages. This includes storing opt-in and opt-out dates and timestamps. These records are maintained in compliance with TCPA regulations and may be used to demonstrate proof of consent if required.

9. Changes to Terms and Conditions

FamilyMeans reserves the right to modify or change these Terms and Conditions at any time. Any significant updates will be communicated via SMS or through our website. By continuing to use our SMS services after any changes, you agree to the revised Terms and Conditions.

10. Disclaimers and Liability Limitations

FamilyMeans is not responsible for delayed or undelivered messages. Delivery of SMS messages is subject to effective transmission from your mobile carrier and network provider. We cannot guarantee that SMS services will always be available in all areas.

11. Contact Information

If you have any questions or concerns regarding these Terms and Conditions or the SMS service, please contact us at:

FamilyMeans

1875 Northwestern Ave S, Stillwater MN 55082

651-439-4840 or familymeans@familymeans.org


Key 2024 Compliance Elements:

  • One-to-One Consent: Reflects the 2024 FCC regulation that requires explicit consent for messages from a single seller, preventing bundled consents for multiple parties
  • Clear Disclosures: The template clearly outlines message frequency, data rates, opt-out mechanisms, and consent specifics as required by the TCPA
  • Opt-Out Mechanisms: Clear opt-out instructions are provided, with immediate processing of opt-out requests, as required under current guidelines

This updated Terms and Conditions template complies with the 2024 TCPA and FCC guidelines, ensuring that your SMS marketing practices are transparent, compliant, and user-friendly.