Privacy Policy for Serenity Stronghold

Last Updated: September 8, 2025

Serenity Stronghold (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is committed to protecting the privacy and security of your personal information. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website at https://serenitystronghold.org/ (the “Site”), interact with our services, or participate in our programs supporting veterans and first responders. By accessing or using the Site or our services, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

We operate as a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hope, healing, and support for those impacted by trauma and PTSD, including veterans and first responders. If you do not agree with this Privacy Policy, please do not access the Site or use our services.

This Privacy Policy complies with applicable U.S. laws, including the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) for protected health information, the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) where applicable, and general data protection principles. If you are located outside the United States, please note that your information may be transferred to and processed in the U.S., where data protection laws may differ from those in your jurisdiction.

  1. Information We Collect

We collect information that you provide directly to us, as well as information automatically collected through your use of the Site. The types of information may include:

Personal Information

  • Contact Information: Name, email address, phone number, mailing address, and other details you provide when contacting us, signing up for newsletters, donating, or registering for programs.
  • Demographic and Service-Related Information: Age, veteran or first responder status, service history, or other details shared in applications for support, therapy sessions, or housing assistance.
  • Health Information: Sensitive data such as PTSD symptoms, medical history, or therapy preferences, collected only with your explicit consent and in compliance with HIPAA where applicable (e.g., for program enrollment).
  • Payment Information: Credit card details, billing address, or other financial data processed through secure third-party payment processors (e.g., for donations). We do not store payment information directly.
  • User-Generated Content: Comments, testimonials, or feedback submitted via forms or community features.

Automatically Collected Information

  • Device and Usage Data: IP address, browser type, operating system, pages viewed, time spent on the Site, and referring URLs, collected via cookies, web beacons, or similar technologies.
  • Location Data: Approximate location based on IP address (not precise geolocation unless you consent).
  • Analytics Data: Aggregated usage statistics from tools like Google Analytics to improve the Site.

We do not collect information from children under 13 without verifiable parental consent, in compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).

  1. How We Use Your Information

We use the collected information for the following purposes:

  • To Provide Services: Process program applications, facilitate therapies, provide housing support, and connect you with resources for veterans and first responders.
  • To Communicate: Send updates, newsletters, event invitations, or responses to inquiries.
  • To Process Donations and Payments: Handle contributions securely through third-party processors.
  • To Improve Our Site and Services: Analyze usage patterns to enhance user experience and program effectiveness.
  • For Research and Analytics: Conduct internal research (anonymized where possible) to measure program impact, such as PTSD symptom reduction metrics.
  • For Legal and Safety Purposes: Comply with laws, respond to legal requests, prevent fraud, or protect rights and safety.
  • Marketing: With your consent, promote our mission via email or targeted ads (you can opt out at any time).

Health information is used solely for program delivery and is protected under HIPAA standards, including secure storage and limited access.

  1. How We Share Your Information

We do not sell your personal information. We may share information as follows:

  • Service Providers: With vendors (e.g., payment processors, email services like Mailchimp, or AI tools from xAI) who assist in operations, bound by confidentiality agreements.
  • Partners and Affiliates: With collaborating organizations (e.g., VA, Wounded Warrior Project) for program delivery, with your consent.
  • Leadership Council and Advisors: Limited sharing with council members (e.g., Dr. Matthew J. Friedman) for strategic purposes, anonymized where possible.
  • Legal Requirements: If required by law, subpoena, or to protect rights (e.g., in response to a court order).
  • Business Transfers: In the event of a merger, acquisition, or asset sale, subject to equivalent privacy protections.
  • Aggregated/Anonymized Data: Shared for research or analytics without identifying individuals.

For health data, sharing complies with HIPAA, requiring business associate agreements with third parties.

  1. Data Security

We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to protect your information, including encryption for sensitive data, secure servers, and access controls. However, no system is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute protection against unauthorized access or breaches. In the event of a data breach involving personal information, we will notify affected individuals as required by law (e.g., under CCPA or HIPAA).

  1. Your Privacy Rights

Depending on your location, you may have the following rights:

  • Access and Correction: Request a copy of your data or correct inaccuracies.
  • Deletion: Request deletion of your data, subject to legal retention requirements.
  • Opt-Out: Unsubscribe from marketing emails or opt out of data sharing/sales (though we do not sell data).
  • Non-Discrimination: We will not discriminate against you for exercising your rights.

To exercise these rights, contact us at privacy@serenitystronghold.org or (239) 233-7251. We will respond within 45 days (extendable under CCPA). For California residents, CCPA rights apply; designate an authorized agent if needed.

  1. Cookies and Tracking Technologies

We use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies for functionality, analytics, and advertising. You can manage preferences via your browser settings or our cookie banner. Third-party services (e.g., Google Analytics) may collect data; review their policies for details. We do not track users across sites without consent.

  1. Children’s Privacy

Our Site and services are not intended for children under 13. If we learn we have collected data from a child under 13 without parental consent, we will delete it promptly.

  1. International Users

If you are outside the U.S., your data may be transferred to the U.S. By using the Site, you consent to this transfer and processing under U.S. laws.

  1. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Policy periodically. Changes will be posted here with the updated effective date. Continued use of the Site after changes constitutes acceptance.

  1. Contact Us

For questions about this Privacy Policy or your data, contact: S. Vincent Anthony Serenity Stronghold 1022 SE 17th St, Cape Coral, FL 33990 Phone: (239) 233-7251 Email: privacy@serenitystronghold.org

Thank you for supporting Serenity Stronghold’s mission to provide hope and healing.