Privacy Policy

LFCS values its visitors’ privacy. This privacy policy summarizes what information we might collect from a registered user or other visitor, and what we will and will not do with it.

This privacy notice discloses the privacy practices for lfcsmo.org. This privacy notice applies solely to information collected by this website. If you visit a web site that we mention or link to, be sure to review its privacy policy before providing the site with information. It will notify you of the following:

  1. What personally identifiable information is collected from you through the web site, how it is used and with whom it may be shared.
  2. What choices are available to you regarding the use of your data.
  3. The security procedures in place to protect the misuse of your information.
  4. How you can correct any inaccuracies in the information.
  5. How policy changes are communicated.

Information Collection, Use and Sharing

We are the sole owners of the information collected on this site. We only have access to/collect information that you voluntarily give us via email list registration, email or other direct contact from you. We will not sell or rent this information to anyone.

We will use your information to respond to you regarding the reason you contacted us. We will not share your information with any third party outside of our organization, other than as necessary to fulfill your request/donation.

Unless you ask us not to, we may contact you via email in the future to inform you of other opportunities, events, or changes to this privacy policy.

SMS Privacy Policy Statement

If you provide your mobile phone number to Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri, you may receive text messages from us. These messages may include information related to our programs, services, appointment reminders, event notifications, or responses to your inquiries. Message frequency may vary.

Consent to Receive Messages

By providing your mobile phone number and opting in through our website forms, paper intake forms, or other communication methods, you expressly consent to receive text messages from Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri at the number provided.

Opt-Out and Help

You may opt out of receiving text messages at any time by replying STOP to any message. After opting out, you will no longer receive SMS messages from us unless you re-enroll. For assistance, you may reply HELP or contact us using the contact information listed on our website.

Message and Data Rates

Message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier and plan. Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri is not responsible for any charges incurred from text messaging.

Privacy and Data Use

Mobile phone numbers and SMS opt-in consent information are used solely for communication purposes related to Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri. SMS opt-in data, consent, and phone numbers will not be shared, sold, rented, or disclosed to third parties for their marketing or promotional purposes. For additional information about how personal information is collected, used, and protected, please review our Privacy Policy.

Supported Carriers

SMS services are subject to availability and carrier participation. Delivery of messages may be affected by factors outside our control, including carrier limitations or service disruptions.

Your Access to and Control Over Information

You may opt out of any future contacts from us at any time. You can so at any time by emailing us or by calling 314-787- 5100.

External data storage sites

We may store your data on servers provided by third party hosting vendors with whom we have contracted.

Security

We take precautions to protect your information. When you submit sensitive information via the website, your information is protected both online and offline.

Wherever we collect sensitive information (such as credit card data), that information is encrypted and transmitted to us in a secure way. You can verify this by looking for a closed lock icon at the bottom of your web browser, or looking for ‘https’ at the beginning of the address of the web page.

While we use encryption to protect sensitive information transmitted online, we also protect your information offline. Only employees who need the information to perform a specific job (for example, billing) are granted access to personally identifiable information. The computers/servers in which we store personally identifiable information are kept in a secure environment.

Cookies and Tracking Technologies

Our website may use “cookies,” pixels, tags, scripts, and similar tracking technologies to enhance user experience, analyze website traffic, personalize content, and improve our services. Cookies are small data files stored on your device that help us recognize repeat visitors and understand how users interact with our website.

You may choose to disable cookies through your individual browser settings. Please note that disabling cookies may limit certain website functionalities or user experience features.

Automatic Data Collection

When you visit our website, certain information may be collected automatically through standard web technologies. This may include, but is not limited to:

  • Internet Protocol (IP) address

  • Browser type and version

  • Device type and operating system

  • Pages visited and time spent on pages

  • Referral URLs

  • Date and time of access

  • General geographic location (city/state level)

This information is used in aggregate form to monitor website performance, improve usability, maintain security, and analyze trends.

Third-Party Service Providers

We may utilize trusted third-party vendors and service providers to support operational, technical, and programmatic functions. These providers may assist with:

  • Website hosting and infrastructure

  • Online donation processing

  • Email marketing and newsletter distribution

  • Form submissions and data collection tools

  • Event registration platforms

  • Text messaging platforms

  • Payment processing

  • Analytics services

These vendors are contractually obligated to safeguard personal information and may only use such information to perform services on our behalf. We do not authorize third parties to use or disclose personal information for their own marketing purposes.

Data Retention

We retain personal information only for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes for which it was collected, including:

  • Responding to inquiries

  • Processing donations

  • Maintaining client or donor records

  • Complying with legal, accounting, or reporting requirements

  • Enforcing agreements and resolving disputes

When personal information is no longer required, we take reasonable steps to securely delete, anonymize, or dispose of the data.

Your Privacy Rights

Subject to applicable law, you may have the right to:

  • Request access to personal information we hold about you

  • Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data

  • Request deletion of your personal information

  • Object to or restrict certain processing activities

  • Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the contact information listed on our website. We will respond to requests in accordance with applicable laws and verification requirements.

Children’s Privacy

Our website and services are not directed toward children under the age of 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children without appropriate parental or guardian consent.

If we become aware that personal information has been collected from a child under 13 without verified parental consent, we will take prompt steps to delete such information. Parents or guardians who believe their child has provided personal information may contact us to request removal.

Governing Law and Jurisdiction

This Privacy Policy and any disputes relating to privacy or website use shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Missouri, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any legal proceedings arising from or related to this policy shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state and federal courts located within Missouri.

Changes to this Policy

We may make changes to this privacy notice from time to time. You may check back on this page at any time to see our current policy.

If you feel we are not abiding by this privacy policy, you should immediately email us or call 314-787- 5100.