Privacy Policy
Effective Date: June 26, 2025
Introduction
Beacon House Community Ministry Inc. (Beacon House) is committed to protecting your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose and safeguard your information when you visit our website, use our services, participate in our programs, receive text messages from us, or interact with us in any way.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Personal Information We Collect
Any data that identifies or relates to an individual, such as name, or contact details.
Our text messaging service (SMS/MMS Program) for sending updates, notifications, and other communications via mobile devices.
Demographic Information
Age or date of birth
Gender identity
Program and Sports Specific Information
Program participation history
Health and social-emotional health information
Educational background and information
Financial information:
Donation history and amounts
2.2 Automatically Collected Information
When you visit our website or web forms, we may automatically collect:
IP address and location data
Browser type and version
Device information
Website usage patterns and analytics
Cookies and similar tracking technologies
2.3 SMS/MMS Program Information
When you opt into our SMS/MMS messaging program, we collect:
Mobile phone number
Consent timestamp and method
Message delivery and response data
Opt-in/opt-out history
How We Use Your Information
We us the information collected for the following purposes:
3.1 Communication
Responding to inquiries and requests
Sending program updates and notifications
Emergency communications
SMS/MMS messaging (with consent)
3.2 Administrative Purposes
Maintaining donor and participant records
Grant reporting and compliance
Program evaluation, impact, and improvement
Legal and regulatory compliance
3.3 Marketing and Outreach:
Community outreach and awareness
How We Share Your Information
We do not sell, rent or trade your personal information with third parties. We may share your information only with your explicit consent for specific purposes you authorize, such as receiving marketing communications from partner organizations.
4.1 Legal Requirements
We may disclose your information when:
Required by law
Mandated by court order or subpoena
Required for regulatory compliance or reporting
4.2 Business Operations
For services provided by third–party vendors who adhere to our privacy standards such as payment processing platforms. No mobile information will be shared with third parties for marketing/promotional purposes. We may share your data with affiliates or subsidiaries, but their use will be subject to this Policy. This includes third-party platform providers (e.g., for message delivery) who are bound by confidentiality agreements. All the above categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.
4.3 What We Don’t Share
We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
SMS/MMS Messages Consent and Opt-In
Consent can be provided via online forms, verbal agreements (recorded), or written methods. We maintain records of your consent, including the date, method, and IP address (if applicable). This aligns with TCPA requirements for prior express written consent for automated messages.
5.1 Message Types
We may send:
Program updates and announcements
Event invitations
Emergency notifications
5.2 Frequency
Message frequency will vary depending on the program.
On average, you can expect 4 –8 messages per month.
5.3 SMS Program Terms
Our SMS/MMS program provides text-based communications for program updates, event invitations, emergency notifications, and other Beacon House- related information.
Message Frequency: Frequency varies by program; on average, 4-8 messages per month.
Message and Data Rates: Message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier plan.
Opt-Out Methods; Reply “Stop” to any message to opt out. You may also contact us at 202.529.7376 or Info@beaconhousedc.org to revoke consent.
Support: For help, reply “HELP” to any message or contact us at 202.529.7376.
Privacy: Your participation is governed by this Privacy Policy. We do not share text messaging opt-in data or consent with third parties.
Data Security
We implement appropriate security measures to protect your personal information:
6.1 Physical safeguards
Locked filing cabinets for paper records
Restricted access to offices and storage areas
Secure disposal of sensitive documents
6.2 Technical Safeguards
Secure user authentication systems
Regular security updates
Firewall and antivirus protection
6.3 Administrative Safeguards
Staff training on privacy and security
Access controls based on job responsibilities
Background checks on all staff
Data Retention
We retain data for a minimum of seven (7) years to comply with applicable tax laws, nonprofit regulations, and grant obligations. After this period, data is reviewed and may be retained longer if there is a continuing business or legal need. Data that is no longer required is securely deleted.
7.1 Your Privacy Rights
Data Breach Notification
In the event of a data breach that may affect your personal information, we will notify you and relevant authorities as required by law, without undue delay.
Access and Review
You have the following rights regarding your personal information:
Request copies of personal information
Review how your information is being used
Obtain information about who has access to your records
8.1 Correction and Updates
Correct inaccurate information
Update your contact preferences
Modify consent
8.2 Deletion and Restriction
Request deletion of your information (subject to legal requirements)
Limit how your information is used
Opt out of communications
How to Exercise Your Rights
To exercise any of these rights, please submit your request in writing using the contact information below. We will respond within 30 days.
By Mail:
Beacon House Community Ministry, Inc.
PO Box 29629
Washington, DC 20017
Privacy Contact:
Mark Mottershead, Chief Information Officer
info@beaconhousedc.org | 202.529.7376
Cookies and Website Analytics
We use cookies for essential site functionality and analytics. You can manage preferences via your browser settings.
Third-Party Links
Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices of these external sites. We encourage you to review their privacy policies. We disclaim liability for any data shared with third parties via these links.
Children’s Privacy
We comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). For children under 13 years old of age, we obtain verifiable parental consent before collecting personal information online (e.g., via email confirmation or other methods). Parents may review, delete, or refuse further collection of their child’s information by contacting us. If we learn we have collected such information without consent, we will delete it promptly. For programs involving minors aged 13-17, we encourage parental involvement but do not require consent under COPPA.
Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. We will notify you of material changes via email or website notice if you are a registered user. Changes will be effective immediately upon posting.
Contact information
For questions about our Privacy Policy or to exercise your privacy rights, please contact us:
Beacon House Community Ministry, Inc.
601 Edgewood Street, NE, Suite 15
Washington, DC 20017
202.529.7376
Complaints and Disputes
If you have concerns about our privacy practices:
Contact us directly using the information above.
File a complaint with relevant regulatory authorities.
Seek resolution through applicable dispute resolution processes.
Acknowledgement: By using our services or providing your information to Beacon House, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to this Privacy Policy.
SMS/MMS Privacy Policy Highlights (Public Facing)
Effective Date: June 26, 2025
Information We Collection: When you opt in to our SMS/MMS program, we collect your mobile phone number, consent timestamp and method, message delivery data, and opt-in/opt-out history.
How We Use Your Information: We use your information to send program updates and announcements, event invitations, and emergency notifications. Message frequency varies by program; on average, expect 4–8 messages per month.
Sharing Your Information: We do not sell, rent, or trade your personal information. Third-party service providers involved in message delivery are bound by confidentiality agreements
Data Security: We protect your information through physical safeguards (locked storage, restricted access), technical safeguards (authentication systems, firewalls), and administrative safeguards (staff training, access controls).
Opting out: You can opt out at any time by replying “STOP” to any message. You may also contact us at info@beaconhousedc.org or 202.529.7376. For help, reply “HELP” to any message. Message and data rates may apply based on your mobile carrier plan.
Children’s Privacy: We comply with COPPA. For children under 13, we obtain parental consent before collecting personal information. Parents may contact us to review, delete, or refuse further collection of their child’s information.
Changes to this Policy: We may update this policy periodically. Material changes will be communicated via email or website notice. Continued use of our text messaging service constitutes acceptance of any updates.
Contact Us: Beacon House Community Ministry, Inc. 601 Edgewood Street, NE, Suite 15, Washington, DC 20017| info@beaconhousedc.org | 202.529.7376
Please review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we are protecting your information. Your continued use of our text messaging service constitutes acceptance of any changes or updates to this policy.
This Privacy Policy is effective as of the date indicated above and applies to text messaging.
