Privacy Policy & SMS Opt-In

1. Overview

GAIDEUS INC ("GAIDEUS," "we," "us," or "our") is a nonprofit organization incorporated under the laws of the State of Georgia and recognized as a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. We are committed to protecting the privacy and personal information of the individuals and families we serve.

This Privacy Policy describes how we collect, use, and protect personal information when you interact with us — including through our website (gaideus.org), our phone number (844) 542-5862, our SMS text messaging program, and any other service we provide.

By providing your personal information to GAIDEUS, you agree to the practices described in this policy.

2. SMS / Text Message Opt-In Program

GAIDEUS INC operates an SMS text messaging program to notify individuals and families receiving support from our organization about available services, upcoming programs, and assistance delivery information.

How to Opt In

You may opt in to receive SMS messages from GAIDEUS in one of the following ways:

• By providing your mobile phone number and written or verbal consent when registering for a GAIDEUS program or service
• By completing our contact form on gaideus.org and checking the SMS consent box
• By texting JOIN to (844) 542-5862
• By providing verbal consent to a GAIDEUS staff member or volunteer

How to Opt Out

You may opt out of receiving SMS messages from GAIDEUS at any time by:

• Texting STOP to (844) 542-5862 at any time
• Contacting us at info@gaideus.org and requesting removal
• Calling us at (844) 542-5862 and asking to be removed

After texting STOP, you will receive one final confirmation message confirming your opt-out. No further messages will be sent unless you opt in again.

Help

For help with our SMS program, text HELP to (844) 542-5862 or email us at info@gaideus.org.

3. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of personal information:

• Contact Information: Name, mailing address, email address, and phone number (including mobile number for SMS)
• Demographic Information: Household size, income level, and other information needed to assess eligibility for our programs
• Service Information: Details about the services or support you have received or requested from GAIDEUS
• Website Usage: IP address, browser type, pages visited, and other standard web analytics data collected through cookies or similar technologies
• Communications: Records of your communications with us, including emails, form submissions, and phone calls

We collect information directly from you when you contact us, register for a program, submit a form on our website, or consent to SMS communications.

4. How We Use Your Information

GAIDEUS uses personal information only for legitimate charitable and operational purposes, including:

• Delivering services, support, and community resources to eligible individuals and families
• Sending SMS notifications and updates related to programs you are enrolled in
• Communicating program availability, eligibility changes, and resource updates
• Processing volunteer applications and partnership inquiries
• Improving our website, programs, and community outreach efforts
• Complying with legal, regulatory, and grant reporting obligations
• Maintaining records required for our 501(c)(3) status

We will not use your personal information for any purpose inconsistent with this policy without your prior consent.

5. Sharing of Information

GAIDEUS does not sell, rent, or trade personal information to third parties. We may share information only in the following limited circumstances:

• Service Providers: Trusted third-party vendors who assist us in operating our programs (e.g., SMS messaging platforms such as Twilio), subject to confidentiality agreements
• Partner Organizations: Community partners and referral agencies, only with your explicit consent
• Legal Requirements: When required by law, court order, or governmental authority
• Grant Reporting: Aggregate, de-identified data shared with funders and grantors for reporting purposes only

6. Data Security

GAIDEUS takes reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

While we strive to protect your information, no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure. If you believe your information has been compromised, please contact us immediately at info@gaideus.org.

7. Your Rights & Choices

You have the following rights regarding your personal information:

• Access: You may request a copy of the personal information we hold about you
• Correction: You may request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
• Deletion: You may request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal retention requirements
• Opt-Out of SMS: Text STOP to (844) 542-5862 at any time to stop receiving text messages
• Withdraw Consent: You may withdraw consent to data processing at any time by contacting us

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us at info@gaideus.org.

8. Children's Privacy

GAIDEUS serves families, which may include minors. We do not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under the age of 13 without verifiable parental consent. Information about minors collected as part of household or family service records is protected in accordance with this policy and applicable law.

9. Changes to This Policy

GAIDEUS reserves the right to update this Privacy Policy at any time. When we make material changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page and, where appropriate, notify individuals by SMS or email. Your continued use of our services after changes are posted constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

10. Contact Us

If you have any questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy or our SMS program, please contact us: