PRIVACY POLICY
Hoover Essential Lifeskills Opportunities, Inc. (HELO) Effective Date: October 12, 2026
1. Introduction
Hoover Essential Lifeskills Opportunities, Inc. (“HELO,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) is a Tennessee nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young adults through life-skills education, guidance, and opportunities for greater independence.
HELO respects the privacy of individuals who visit our website, support our mission, attend our events, or inquire about our programs.
This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, retain, and protect personal information through our website and associated online services.
2. Information We Collect
Depending on how individuals interact with HELO, we may collect the following types of information:
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Contact Information: Names, email addresses, telephone numbers, mailing addresses, and information submitted through contact forms.
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Donation Information: Donor names, contact details, contribution amounts, transaction dates, and information necessary to acknowledge and record donations.
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Newsletter Information: Email addresses, subscription preferences, and related communication information.
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Event Registration Information: Attendee names, contact information, ticket selections, payment confirmations, and other information required for registration.
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Program Inquiry Information: Information voluntarily submitted by prospective participants, referring organizations, or individuals seeking assistance.
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Technical Information: IP addresses, browser types, device information, website usage information, and cookie-related data collected through website technologies.
We ask visitors not to submit Social Security numbers, medical records, financial account credentials, or other highly sensitive information through general website contact forms.
3. How We Use Information
HELO may use collected information to:
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Respond to inquiries and requests.
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Provide information about HELO's programs and services.
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Process, acknowledge, and maintain records of donations.
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Manage event registrations and communications.
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Send newsletters and organizational updates to individuals who have subscribed or otherwise authorized those communications.
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Coordinate appropriate follow-up regarding program inquiries.
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Maintain and improve website functionality, accessibility, and security.
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Comply with applicable legal, financial, and recordkeeping obligations.
HELO does not sell personal information to data brokers or third parties for their independent marketing purposes.
4. Donations and Payment Processing
HELO may accept charitable contributions through its website, third-party donation platforms, electronic payment services, checks, and bank transfers.
Depending on the donation method selected, donors may be directed to independent payment providers, including PayPal, Venmo, Zeffy, Givebutter, or other services HELO makes available.
These providers may collect and process payment information according to their own privacy policies and security practices.
HELO may receive donor names, contact information, donation amounts, transaction dates, and payment confirmations for donation acknowledgment, recordkeeping, financial reporting, and other legitimate organizational purposes.
Payment information provided directly to HELO will be handled according to applicable financial procedures and information security practices.
Donors are encouraged to review the privacy policies of third-party payment providers before completing a transaction.
5. Newsletters and Communications
Individuals may voluntarily subscribe to HELO newsletters and other organizational communications.
Subscribers may unsubscribe from promotional email communications using the unsubscribe link provided in applicable emails or by contacting HELO directly.
HELO may continue sending necessary transactional or administrative communications when appropriate.
6. Events, Ticket Sales, Auctions, and Fundraising Activities
HELO may organize fundraising events, ticketed celebrations, auctions, free prize drawings, donation drives, and other charitable fundraising activities to support its mission.
When individuals register for events, purchase tickets, participate in auctions, enter free prize drawings, contribute items, or engage in other fundraising activities, HELO may collect information necessary to administer these activities. Such information may include names, contact details, event registrations, ticket purchases, bidding information, donation records, transaction amounts, payment confirmations, and other relevant participation information.
HELO may use third-party event management, ticketing, auction, fundraising, and payment processing platforms. These providers may collect and process personal information according to their own privacy policies and security practices.
Information collected through these activities may be used to process transactions, manage registrations, administer auctions and free prize drawings, communicate with participants, coordinate donation drives, distribute prizes or auction items, maintain financial records, and comply with applicable legal requirements.
HELO may offer free prize drawings at community events and donation drives. No purchase or donation is necessary to enter, and making a donation does not increase an individual's chances of winning. Any personal information collected for these drawings will be used to administer the drawing, contact winners, and distribute prizes, subject to applicable law.
Photographs, video recordings, testimonials, and participant stories collected during HELO events will be handled in accordance with applicable consent requirements and HELO's event and media policies.
7. Program Inquiries and Participant Privacy
HELO may organize fundraising events, ticketed celebrations, auctions, free prize drawings, donation drives, and other charitable fundraising activities to support its mission.
When individuals register for events, purchase tickets, participate in auctions, enter free prize drawings, contribute items, or engage in other fundraising activities, HELO may collect information necessary to administer these activities. Such information may include names, contact details, event registrations, ticket purchases, bidding information, donation records, transaction amounts, payment confirmations, and other relevant participation information.
HELO may use third-party event management, ticketing, auction, fundraising, and payment processing platforms. These providers may collect and process personal information according to their own privacy policies and security practices.
Information collected through these activities may be used to process transactions, manage registrations, administer auctions and free prize drawings, communicate with participants, coordinate donation drives, distribute prizes or auction items, maintain financial records, and comply with applicable legal requirements.
HELO may offer free prize drawings at community events and donation drives. No purchase or donation is necessary to enter, and making a donation does not increase an individual's chances of winning. Any personal information collected for these drawings will be used to administer the drawing, contact winners, and distribute prizes, subject to applicable law.
Photographs, video recordings, testimonials, and participant stories collected during HELO events will be handled in accordance with applicable consent requirements and HELO's event and media policies.
8. Sharing Information
HELO respects the privacy of individuals who interact with our organization and does not sell or rent personal information to third parties for their independent marketing purposes.
HELO may share personal information only when reasonably necessary for legitimate organizational purposes, including the following circumstances:
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Service Providers: With trusted third-party providers that assist with website operations, donation processing, event registration, communications, technology services, and other administrative functions.
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Authorized Personnel: With HELO's authorized officers, employees, volunteers, contractors, or professional advisers who require access to information to perform their responsibilities.
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Program Coordination: With appropriate referral agencies, service providers, or community partners when necessary to coordinate services and when permitted by applicable law and appropriate consent or authorization.
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Legal and Regulatory Requirements: When disclosure is required by applicable law, court order, or lawful governmental request, or otherwise legally permitted to protect individuals, organizational operations, or legal rights.
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With Individual Authorization: When an individual has provided appropriate consent or authorization for information to be shared.
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HELO will take reasonable measures to limit the information shared to what is necessary for the intended purpose and to protect confidential and sensitive information.
HELO does not authorize third-party service providers to use personal information for unrelated purposes except as permitted by applicable law and the terms governing those services.
9. Cookies and Website Analytics
HELO's website may use cookies and similar technologies to support website functionality, enhance the visitor experience, maintain security, and understand how visitors interact with our website.
Cookies are small data files stored on a visitor's device that help websites recognize certain preferences, maintain functionality, and collect information about website usage.
HELO's website is hosted through Wix, which may use essential cookies and other technologies necessary for website operations, security, and performance.
HELO may also use website analytics tools to collect information such as pages visited, approximate geographic location, browser type, device type, operating system, and general website activity. This information may be collected when visitors access HELO's website using desktop computers, laptops, smartphones, tablets, iPads, or other internet-connected devices. HELO may use this information to evaluate website performance, improve accessibility, and enhance our content and services.
Certain third party services integrated into HELO's website, including donation platforms, event registration systems, and embedded content, may use their own cookies or tracking technologies in accordance with their respective privacy policies.
Visitors may be able to manage cookie preferences through available website consent tools or their browser settings. Disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.
Where required by applicable law, HELO will provide appropriate notices and obtain consent before using nonessential cookies or similar tracking technologies.
10. Information Security
HELO recognizes the importance of protecting personal, financial, and sensitive information entrusted to our organization.
HELO takes reasonable administrative, technical, and physical measures appropriate to the nature of the information collected to help protect personal information against unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, misuse, loss, or destruction.
These measures may include restricting access to authorized personnel, using password-protected accounts and devices, utilizing reputable third-party service providers, and maintaining appropriate confidentiality and information-handling procedures.
HELO may collect, access, or maintain organizational information through authorized electronic devices, including desktop computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other technology used for legitimate organizational purposes.
Third-party website hosting, donation processing, event registration, and communication providers are responsible for maintaining security measures within their respective systems.
Although HELO strives to protect personal information, no method of electronic transmission, internet communication, or data storage can be guaranteed to be completely secure.
Individuals who believe their personal information has been compromised through an interaction with HELO are encouraged to contact our organization promptly at office@helolifeskills.org.
11. Data Retention
HELO retains personal information only for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, support legitimate organizational operations, and comply with applicable legal, financial, regulatory, and recordkeeping obligations.
Retention periods may vary depending on the type of information, its intended purpose, and applicable requirements.
HELO may retain records relating to donations, financial transactions, event registrations, volunteer activities, program inquiries, participant services, organizational communications, and other activities for appropriate periods consistent with applicable laws and organizational policies.
Certain records may need to be retained for extended periods to satisfy tax reporting, accounting, grant requirements, legal obligations, audits, or other legitimate organizational purposes.
When personal information is no longer reasonably necessary and is not subject to applicable retention requirements, HELO will take reasonable steps to securely delete, destroy, or de-identify the information, as appropriate.
Information maintained by third-party service providers may be subject to their own retention policies and applicable legal requirements.
Individuals may contact HELO at office@helolifeskills.org to inquire about the retention of their personal information or request deletion, subject to applicable legal and organizational requirements.
12. Children's Privacy
HELO is committed to respecting and protecting the privacy, dignity, and safety of children and young people.
HELO's website is intended for a general audience and provides information about our organization, programs, events, volunteer opportunities, and charitable activities. HELO's primary educational and transitional support programs are designed for young adults ages 18–26.
HELO does not knowingly collect personal information directly from children under the age of 13 through its website without obtaining verifiable parental consent when required by applicable law.
Children may attend certain HELO-sponsored community events, fundraising activities, or family-oriented gatherings when permitted by applicable event guidelines. Any personal information collected in connection with these activities will be handled in accordance with applicable privacy requirements.
HELO may photograph or record its community events, fundraising activities, and organizational gatherings for documentation, educational, and promotional purposes.
When photographs or recordings include minors, whether as primary subjects or in the background, HELO will take reasonable precautions to protect their privacy and safety. HELO will obtain appropriate consent or authorization when required by applicable law or organizational policy before publicly using identifiable images of minors.
Additional safeguards may apply to children in foster care or other circumstances requiring heightened confidentiality. HELO may crop, blur, withhold, or remove images when necessary to protect an individual's privacy or safety.
If HELO becomes aware that personal information has been collected from a child under 13 in a manner that does not comply with applicable law, HELO will take appropriate steps to address the information, including deletion when required.
Parents or legal guardians who have questions or concerns about information involving a child, including requests regarding published photographs or recordings, may contact HELO at office@helolifeskills.org.
13. Your Privacy Choices and Requests
HELO respects the privacy rights and preferences of individuals who interact with our organization.
Depending on applicable law and the nature of the information maintained by HELO, individuals may request to:
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Access Personal Information: Request information about the personal data HELO maintains about them.
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Correct Information: Request corrections to inaccurate or outdated personal information.
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Request Deletion: Request the deletion of personal information, subject to applicable legal, financial, regulatory, and recordkeeping obligations.
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Manage Communications: Unsubscribe from newsletters, promotional emails, and other optional organizational communications.
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Manage Cookie Preferences: Adjust available cookie preferences through website consent tools or browser settings.
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Withdraw Consent: Withdraw previously provided consent for certain uses of personal information, where applicable and permitted by law.
Individuals may submit privacy-related questions or requests by contacting HELO at office@helolifeskills.org.
HELO may request reasonable verification of an individual's identity or legal authority before processing a request to help protect personal information from unauthorized disclosure or modification.
HELO will review and respond to privacy requests in accordance with applicable laws and organizational procedures.
Certain information may need to be retained despite a deletion request to comply with legal obligations, maintain financial records, protect individual safety, or fulfill other legitimate organizational requirements.
14. Third-Party Websites and External Links
HELO's website may contain links to third-party websites, platforms, applications, and services that are not owned or operated by HELO.
These external resources may include donation and payment processing platforms, event registration and ticketing services, auction platforms, educational resources, community partner websites, social media platforms, and other organizations or service providers.
When visitors access a third-party website or service through a link on HELO's website, they may be subject to that provider's privacy policies, terms of use, security practices, and data collection procedures.
HELO does not control the privacy practices, content, security measures, or operations of independent third-party websites and services.
The inclusion of a link to an external website does not necessarily constitute an endorsement, sponsorship, or approval of that website, organization, or its products or services.
HELO encourages visitors to review the privacy policies and terms of use of third-party websites before providing personal, financial, or other sensitive information.
Questions or concerns regarding information collected directly by an independent third-party provider should generally be directed to that provider. HELO remains responsible for handling personal information it receives or controls in accordance with applicable law and this Privacy Policy.
15. Changes to This Privacy Policy
Hoover Essential Lifeskills Opportunities, Inc. (HELO) reserves the right to review, revise, or update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in organizational operations, programs, services, technology, legal requirements, or information-handling practices.
Any updates to this Privacy Policy will be posted on HELO's official website, with the effective date revised to reflect the most recent changes.
HELO may provide additional notice of significant changes when required by applicable law or when otherwise appropriate.
Changes to this Privacy Policy will become effective on the date specified in the updated policy, unless otherwise required by law.
HELO encourages website visitors, donors, volunteers, program participants, and other individuals who interact with our organization to review this Privacy Policy periodically to remain informed about how personal information is collected, used, shared, and protected.
Any changes to this Privacy Policy will be implemented in accordance with applicable legal requirements, including obtaining additional consent when required.
16. Contact Information
If you have questions, concerns, or requests regarding this Privacy Policy, the collection or use of personal information, or HELO's privacy practices, please contact our organization using the information below.
Hoover Essential Lifeskills Opportunities, Inc. (HELO)
Serving Middle Tennessee
Email: office@helolifeskills.org
Website: https://helolifeskills.org
Individuals may contact HELO to report privacy concerns, request information, seek corrections, or inquire about the handling of their personal information.
HELO is committed to reviewing privacy-related inquiries and addressing concerns in a responsible, professional, and timely manner, consistent with applicable laws and organizational procedures.