Who we are
Our website address is: https://www.graceofny.org
The GRACE Foundation of New York (“GRACE Foundation,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting your privacy. We deeply value the trust of our participants, families, donors, and supporters, and we take our responsibility to safeguard your personal information seriously. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your data, in full compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including those set by the Office for People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).
- Information We Collect
We collect information through our website, programs, services, and outreach efforts, including:
- Personal Information
We may collect:
- Name, address, email address, and phone number (including mobile number)
- Date of birth
- Emergency contact and guardian information
- Medical, educational, and service-related information (for participants)
- Donation and payment information (handled via secure third-party processors)
- Automatically Collected Information
When using our website, we may collect:
- IP address and browser/device data
- Website usage analytics via cookies
- How We Use Your Information
We use your information to:
- Provide high-quality services and support for individuals with autism spectrum disorder
- Coordinate care in compliance with OPWDD and HIPAA
- Communicate organizational updates, events, and opportunities
- Process donations and provide tax receipts
- Register participants for events, classes, and volunteer opportunities
- Send updates or alerts via email or SMS (with consent)
- Commitment to Your Privacy and SMS Data
The GRACE Foundation is committed to protecting your privacy. Mobile information, including phone numbers collected for SMS registration, will never be shared with third parties for marketing purposes under any circumstances. Your data will not be transferred to external organizations.
You have the right to opt out of receiving SMS communications at any time.
- To opt out, simply reply “STOP” to any text message you receive from us
- Alternatively, you may contact The GRACE Foundation directly using the information provided on our website
We respect your preferences and will honor all opt-out requests promptly.
- Compliance with OPWDD and HIPAA
We are fully compliant with all standards and guidelines set forth by OPWDD and HIPAA, including:
- Strict confidentiality of protected health information (PHI)
- Limited access to sensitive data only by authorized personnel
- Staff training in data privacy practices
- Regular reviews of our compliance procedures
- Protecting Participant Privacy (Children and Adults)
The GRACE Foundation protects the privacy of all individuals we serve—including children, teens, and adults—with autism spectrum disorder and related developmental disabilities.
We require informed consent for the collection and use of personal information:
- From a parent or legal guardian for minors
- From the individual if capable of giving consent
- From a legally authorized representative for adults who require one
Data is collected only for service-related purposes and is never disclosed without permission, except as required by law.
- Donor Privacy
We do not sell, trade, or share donor information. Donor data is used solely for:
- Gift acknowledgment and recordkeeping
- Providing tax receipts
- Communicating mission-related updates
- Data Security
We utilize a combination of physical, electronic, and administrative safeguards to protect all personal information. These measures align with HIPAA and OPWDD security requirements to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, or misuse of sensitive data.
- Your Rights and Choices
You may:
- Request access to, or correction of, your personal information
- Request limitations on how we use or share your data
- Opt out of non-essential communications, including SMS or email
- File a concern or complaint about data privacy
To exercise any of these rights, contact us using the details below.
- External Links
Our website may link to third-party sites. These sites operate independently and are not governed by this Privacy Policy. We recommend reviewing their privacy policies before sharing personal information.
- Updates to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy periodically. Any changes will be posted to our website with the revised effective date. Continued use of our services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the revised terms.
- Contact Us
For questions about this policy, data usage, HIPAA/OPWDD compliance, or to request removal from communications:
📧 info@graceofny.org
📍 The GRACE Foundation of NY
460 West Brielle Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10314
📞 (718) 983-3800
🌐 www.graceofny.org