Our Commitment to Your Privacy

At CJAMM (Criminal Justice & Mercy Ministries), we are deeply committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all individuals who participate in our programs, seek our services, or interact with our organization. We understand that many of the people we serve are in vulnerable situations, and maintaining their privacy is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative.

This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, protect, and share personal information in accordance with applicable laws and our organizational values of mercy, dignity, and respect.

Information We Collect

Program Participation Information

• Personal identification information (name, date of birth, address, phone number)
• Emergency contact information
• Medical and mental health information relevant to program participation
• Criminal justice history as necessary for program eligibility and safety
• Family information for programs like New Day Camp
• Educational and employment history for reentry support services

Website and Communications

• Contact information when you reach out to us or sign up for newsletters
• Website usage data through standard web analytics
• Donation information for financial contributions
• Volunteer application information

How We Use Your Information

We use personal information exclusively to:

• Provide comprehensive program services and support
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all program participants
• Connect individuals with appropriate resources and referrals
• Maintain program records as required by funding sources and regulations
• Communicate about programs, services, and organizational updates
• Process donations and acknowledge contributions
• Coordinate volunteer activities and opportunities
• Improve our programs and services through evaluation and assessment

Information Sharing and Disclosure

We maintain strict confidentiality standards and only share information in limited circumstances:

With Your Consent

We will share information with third parties only when you have given explicit written consent, such as for referrals to other service providers or employment opportunities.

Legal Requirements

We may disclose information when required by law, including:

• Reporting suspected child abuse or neglect
• Responding to court orders or legal proceedings
• Protecting individuals from imminent harm
• Compliance with funding source requirements

Service Providers

We may share limited information with trusted service providers who help us deliver programs, always under strict confidentiality agreements.

Data Security and Protection

We implement comprehensive security measures to protect your personal information:

• Secure, locked storage for physical records
• Password-protected and encrypted digital systems
• Limited access to information on a need-to-know basis
• Regular staff training on confidentiality and privacy practices
• Secure disposal of records according to established retention schedules
• Regular security assessments and updates to our systems

Your Rights and Choices

You have important rights regarding your personal information:

• Right to access your personal information in our records
• Right to request corrections to inaccurate information
• Right to withdraw consent for certain uses of your information
• Right to request limitations on information sharing
• Right to file complaints about privacy practices
• Right to opt out of non-essential communications

Please note that some information may be required for program participation or legal compliance and cannot be removed while you are receiving services.

Special Protections for Vulnerable Populations

We provide enhanced privacy protections for:

• Individuals with criminal justice involvement
• Children and families participating in New Day Camp
• Individuals receiving addiction treatment services
• Residents of transitional housing programs
• Survivors of domestic violence or trauma

These protections include additional consent requirements, restricted access to records, and special handling procedures for sensitive information.

Retention and Disposal

We retain personal information only as long as necessary to:

• Provide ongoing services and support
• Meet legal and regulatory requirements
• Fulfill contractual obligations to funding sources
• Maintain program evaluation and outcome data

When information is no longer needed, we dispose of it securely through shredding, secure deletion, or other appropriate methods.

Website Privacy

Our website uses standard analytics tools to understand how visitors use our site. We do not track or store personally identifiable information unless you voluntarily provide it through contact forms or donations. We use secure connections for all sensitive transactions and do not sell or share website visitor information with third parties.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect changes in our practices, legal requirements, or organizational policies. We will notify program participants and website users of any significant changes and will always maintain our commitment to protecting your privacy and confidentiality.