THIS NOTICE DESCRIBES HOW INFORMATION ABOUT YOU MAY BE USED AND SHARED WITH OTHERS, AND HOW YOU CAN GET ACCESS TO THIS INFORMATION. PLEASE REVIEW IT CAREFULLY.

Decatur Cooperative Ministry (DCM) uses information collected for groups of clients, not individual clients, to report statistics for funding and administrative purposes. The client does not have to give consent for use of information in this way. DCM does not share nonpublic personal information about staff, clients, or volunteers, except as permitted or required by law.

DCM only collects information it needs to determine whether it can give assistance and the best way to give assistance. DCM will use that information for other purposes only if the client gives written permission. Clients can later revoke such permission. Clients have the right to see their personal information. To do this, they should put their request in writing and give it to their Program Manager. Every effort will be made to schedule an interview with you within two business days.

DCM is required by law to protect the privacy of personal information and to provide clients with notice of its legal duties and privacy practices with respect to protected personal information. It locks up its files and office, uses computer passwords and other electronic safeguards, and follows privacy procedures that comply with basic standards to guard information about clients.

DCM and its staff must follow strict policies and procedures to prevent any misuse of clients’ nonpublic personal information. Employees are bound by this privacy policy and are trained in how to use security principles and practices.

DCM reserves the right to change the terms of this notice and to make the new notice provisions effective for all protected personal information we maintain. It will post any revisions on its Web site and give written copies of the changes to all staff.

Clients may file a complaint with Decatur Cooperative Ministry if they believe their privacy rights have been violated. To file a complaint, clients should follow the established grievance procedure process.  Your Program Manager can provide you with a copy of the simple grievance procedures and the grievance form.  Clients will not be punished in any way for filing a complaint.

Please contact the Executive Director at 404-377- 5365 for further information.

This was approved by the Board of Directors.  This notice is in effect as of August 13, 2007.