Privacy Policy for Listening Ear
Effective Date: 08/14/2025
Last Updated: 08/14/2025

Listening Ear (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing human resource services. Your privacy is important to us, and this Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and protect your information. It also includes information regarding our text messaging (SMS/MMS) communications in compliance with 10DLC (10-Digit Long Code) regulations and related requirements from mobile carriers and The Campaign Registry.

1. Information We Collect
   We collect personal information when you fill out forms on our website, contact us by phone, email, or SMS, or sign up to receive services or updates. This information may include your full name, phone number (including mobile), email address, physical address, as well as demographic and service-related data. We also collect communication-related information, such as records of text messages and email interactions, your communication preferences (opt-in/opt-out), and timestamps for consent. Additionally, technical information is collected automatically, including your IP address, browser data, and website usage statistics via cookies or analytics tools.
2. Use of Information
   We use the information we collect to provide, coordinate, and manage human resource services, respond to inquiries, send SMS communications for service updates and appointment reminders, coordinate and confirm donations, improve our services and website, and maintain compliance with legal and industry standards.
3. Text Messaging (SMS/MMS) Program – 10DLC Compliance (Excluding Crisis Call Center Service)
   Listening Ear uses 10DLC messaging through verified long codes to send secure, compliant SMS/MMS communications. You may receive text messages related to appointment confirmations and reminders, service coordination and case updates, emergency notifications, and general support or outreach. To receive these messages, you must provide express consent, which can be given by checking a consent box on our website, signing a paper or digital form, providing verbal consent (which is logged), or texting a keyword (such as “START”) in response to a prompt. Consent is recorded with the method, timestamp, and context. Message frequency may vary depending on your level of engagement, averaging 1–5 messages per week based on your service plan and interactions.

You may opt out of receiving messages at any time by replying “STOP.” Once opted out, you will no longer receive automated texts unless you choose to re-enroll. Standard message and data rates may apply, depending on your mobile carrier plan, and Listening Ear is not responsible for those charges. Messages are transmitted through secure, carrier-approved platforms. However, because SMS is not end-to-end encrypted, we advise against sending sensitive personal information via text.

4. Text Messaging (SMS/MMS) Program – 10DLC Compliance for Crisis Call Center Services
   When you opt in to our crisis text line by texting “ALWAYS” to (989) 772-2918, we collect only your phone number. Any other identifying information is shared voluntarily by you. This data is used solely during your active communication with us and strictly for the purpose of offering support and assistance. We store this information securely with encryption and protective protocols to prevent unauthorized access. Access to this data is restricted solely to the Crisis Center department and trained professionals to ensure your privacy is maintained.

We retain your messages for as long as you are opted in, allowing us to provide consistent and ongoing support. You can request deletion of your information at any time by contacting us, and we will promptly remove your data from our system. Your information is never shared with third parties for marketing or promotional purposes and is used exclusively for providing crisis support. To opt out and have your data deleted, reply “STOP” at any time.

5. Sharing of Information
   Listening Ear does not sell or rent your personal data. Information may be shared only with internal staff or volunteers involved in service delivery, third-party vendors (such as SMS platforms or appointment scheduling tools) operating under strict confidentiality agreements, or legal authorities when necessary for compliance with applicable laws. All vendors involved in SMS communications are vetted and registered to meet 10DLC and mobile carrier compliance standards.
6. Data Retention
   We retain your information only for as long as necessary to provide services, ensure legal and regulatory compliance, and support quality improvement efforts. This includes maintaining consent records for audit purposes.
7. Cookies and Web Analytics
   Our website uses cookies and analytics tools to understand user behavior, enhance performance, and provide an improved user experience. You may disable cookies or manage preferences through your browser settings.
8. Your Privacy Rights
   Depending on your location, you may have rights regarding your personal data, including the ability to access or correct your information, withdraw consent for communications (including SMS), request deletion of your data (unless subject to legal restrictions), and file a complaint with a relevant data protection authority. To exercise these rights, please contact us using the details provided below.
9. Data Security
   We implement reasonable physical, technical, and administrative safeguards to protect your information. While no system is entirely secure, we use secure platforms for managing both data and messaging to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
10. Contact Us
    For questions, concerns, or to update your communication preferences, you may contact us:

By mail:

Attention Privacy Officer
Listening Ear
PO Box 800
Mt Pleasant MT 48804-0800

By email: privacy@listeningear.com

By telephone:  989-773-6904 ex 3227

11. Changes to This Privacy Policy
    We may revise this Privacy Policy periodically to reflect updates to our practices or legal obligations. When changes occur, we will post the updated version on our website and revise the “Last Updated” date accordingly.