Privacy Policy

Effective Date: 08/06/2026

Dressing Forward Initiative ("Dressing Forward," "we," "our," or "us") respects your privacy. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, share, and protect information when you visit our website, contact us, make a donation, register for an event, volunteer, receive text messages from us, or participate in our programs.

By using our website or providing information to us, you agree to the practices described in this Privacy Policy.

1. Information We Collect

We may collect the following types of information:

Personal Information You Provide

We may collect information that you voluntarily provide, including:

  • Name

  • Email address

  • Phone number

  • Mailing address

  • Donation information

  • Event registration information

  • Volunteer information

  • Sponsor or donor contact details

  • Client intake or service request information

  • Messages or inquiries submitted through our website or forms

Donation and Payment Information

If you make a donation or payment through our website or a third-party payment processor, we may receive basic transaction details such as your name, donation amount, date of donation, and contact information.

We do not store full credit card numbers or banking information on our website. Payment information is processed by third-party payment providers subject to their own privacy and security practices.

Program and Service Information

If you request or receive services from Dressing Forward, we may collect information needed to understand your needs, schedule appointments, provide clothing or styling support, communicate with you, and improve our programs.

Text Messaging Information

If you provide your mobile phone number and consent to receive text messages from us, we may collect your phone number, SMS opt-in consent, messaging preferences, and related messaging records such as opt-out requests.

Website Usage Information

When you visit our website, certain information may be collected automatically, such as:

  • IP address

  • Browser type

  • Device information

  • Pages viewed

  • Time spent on the website

  • Referring website or link

  • General location information

We may use cookies or similar technologies to improve website functionality, understand site traffic, and enhance the user experience.

2. How We Use Your Information

We may use the information we collect to:

  • Respond to inquiries

  • Provide services and program support

  • Process donations and issue receipts

  • Register participants for events

  • Communicate with donors, sponsors, volunteers, and community partners

  • Send updates, newsletters, event information, or other Dressing Forward-related communications

  • Send SMS text messages when you have provided consent to receive them

  • Coordinate volunteer opportunities

  • Improve our website, programs, and outreach

  • Maintain accurate records

  • Comply with legal, tax, accounting, and nonprofit reporting requirements

  • Protect the safety, security, and integrity of our organization, website, clients, donors, volunteers, and community

3. Text Messaging and SMS Communications

If you provide a mobile phone number and consent to receive SMS text messages from Dressing Forward, we may contact you by text message about donations, events, volunteer opportunities, programs, appointments, service-related updates, and other Dressing Forward-related matters.

Message frequency may vary. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of SMS text messages at any time by replying STOP. You may reply HELP for more information.

Your consent to receive SMS text messages is not required as a condition of purchasing, donating, receiving services, volunteering, or otherwise engaging with Dressing Forward.

4. How We Share Information

We do not sell your personal information.

We do not share, sell, rent, or disclose consumer personal information, including phone numbers or mobile opt-in information, to third parties or affiliates for marketing, promotional, or lead generation purposes.

We may share information only when necessary, including with:

  • Service providers who help us operate our website, process donations, manage communications, host forms, or support events

  • Payment processors for donation or registration transactions

  • Volunteers, staff, or partners involved in providing services or coordinating programs

  • Professional advisors, such as accountants, attorneys, or consultants

  • Government agencies or regulators when required by law

  • Other parties when necessary to protect rights, safety, security, or prevent fraud

Any third-party service providers we use are expected to handle information responsibly and only for the purposes of providing services to Dressing Forward.

No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing, promotional, or lead generation purposes. All categories above exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties.

5. Donor Privacy

Dressing Forward values the trust of our donors.

We do not sell, trade, or rent donor names, contact information, or donation details to third parties. Donor information is used to process donations, issue receipts, communicate appreciation, provide updates, and maintain required nonprofit records.

We may publicly recognize donors or sponsors only when appropriate and with permission, or where recognition is part of an agreed sponsorship arrangement.

6. Client and Participant Privacy

We respect the dignity and privacy of individuals who participate in our programs.

Information shared by clients, participants, or service recipients is used to provide support, coordinate appointments, improve services, and maintain program records. We will not publicly share a client's name, story, image, or personal details without consent, except where required by law or necessary for safety.

7. Photos, Videos, and Testimonials

We may take photos or videos at events or request testimonials to help share the impact of our work. We will seek consent before using identifiable images, names, or personal stories for public marketing, social media, fundraising, or promotional purposes.

If you want an image, video, or testimonial removed from our website or social media, you may contact us and we will review the request.

8. Email and Communications

If you provide your email address, we may contact you about donations, events, volunteer opportunities, programs, impact updates, or other Dressing Forward-related matters.

You may unsubscribe from marketing or newsletter emails at any time by using the unsubscribe link in the email or contacting us directly. We may still send transactional or administrative messages, such as donation receipts, event confirmations, or service-related communications.

9. Cookies and Analytics

Our website may use cookies, analytics tools, or similar technologies to understand how visitors use the site and to improve performance.

You may adjust your browser settings to block or delete cookies. Some website features may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

10. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect personal information. However, no website, email system, or online service is completely secure. We cannot guarantee absolute security of information transmitted online.

Please avoid submitting sensitive personal information through unsecured forms or email unless necessary.

11. Data Retention

We retain personal information only as long as reasonably necessary for the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, including program administration, donation records, legal compliance, accounting, dispute resolution, and organizational operations.

12. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites, donation platforms, social media pages, registration forms, or partner websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices, security, or content of those third-party websites. You should review their privacy policies before providing information.

13. Children's Privacy

Our website is not intended to collect personal information from children under 13 without appropriate parental or guardian consent. If we learn that we have collected personal information from a child under 13 without proper consent, we will take reasonable steps to delete it.

14. California Privacy Notice

If you are a California resident, you may have rights under applicable California privacy laws regarding access, deletion, correction, or limitations on certain uses of personal information.

To submit a privacy-related request, please contact us using the information below. We may need to verify your identity before responding to certain requests.

Dressing Forward does not sell personal information.

15. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. When we make changes, we will update the effective date at the top of this page. Continued use of our website after changes are posted means you accept the updated Privacy Policy.

16. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact us:

Dressing Forward Initiative

Website: www.dressingforward.org

Email: info@dressingforward.org

Mailing Address: PO BOX 772 Bell Gardens, CA 90201