Privacy Policy

Privacy Policy
Last updated: [Month Day, Year]

1. Introduction
Grief Connections (“we,” “us,” or “our”) is dedicated to creating a compassionate, safe space for individuals and families navigating grief. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information when you visit our website, make a purchase, join a group, become a member, or otherwise interact with our services.

By using this website, you agree to the terms of this Privacy Policy.

2. Information We Collect
We may collect the following types of information:

2.1 Information You Provide Directly
- Contact details (such as your name, email address, mailing address, and phone number)
- Account and membership details (such as login information, membership level, and preferences)
- Billing and shipping information (such as address and order details; payment details are processed securely by our payment providers and are not stored in full by us)
- Messages and forms (such as contact form submissions, group sign-ups, support requests, and feedback)
- Content you share (such as comments, posts, or participation in groups, events, or programs)

2.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our site, certain information may be collected automatically, such as:
- IP address and approximate location
- Device type, browser type, and operating system
- Pages viewed, links clicked, and time spent on the site
- Cookies and similar tracking technologies (see Section 6)

2.3 Information from Third Parties
We may receive information from third-party services that help us operate our store, memberships, email communications, analytics, and donations (for example, Wix and its integrated apps).

3. How We Use Your Information
We may use your information to:
- Provide, operate, and maintain our website, store, memberships, and services
- Process orders, payments, subscriptions, and donations
- Communicate with you about your account, orders, groups, events, and support
- Send you updates, newsletters, and resources (you can opt out of marketing emails at any time)
- Personalize your experience and recommend relevant offerings
- Monitor and improve the performance, security, and usability of our website
- Comply with legal obligations and enforce our terms and policies

4. Legal Bases for Processing (if applicable)
If you are located in the European Economic Area (EEA), the United Kingdom, or other regions with similar laws, we process your personal information based on one or more of the following legal bases:
- Your consent
- Performance of a contract (for example, providing services you purchase or sign up for)
- Legitimate interests (such as improving our services, maintaining security, and communicating with you about relevant offerings)
- Compliance with legal obligations

You may withdraw your consent at any time by contacting us (see Section 10).

5. Sharing Your Information
We do not sell your personal information.

We may share your information with:
- Service providers and platforms that help us operate our website, store, memberships, email communications, analytics, and payments (for example, Wix and its integrated apps)
- Professional advisors (such as legal or accounting professionals) when necessary
- Authorities or third parties when required by law, to protect our rights, or to respond to legal requests

These third parties are only given the information necessary to perform their services and are expected to protect it appropriately.

6. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
Our website may use cookies and similar technologies to:
- Keep you logged in and remember your preferences
- Enable store, membership, and checkout functionality
- Analyze site traffic and usage to improve our offerings

You can usually set your browser to refuse cookies or alert you when cookies are being used. If you disable cookies, some parts of the site may not function properly.

7. Data Security and Retention
We take reasonable measures to protect your personal information from loss, misuse, and unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Our website and many of our services are hosted on platforms that use industry-standard security practices.

However, no method of transmission or storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.

We retain your information only for as long as necessary to:
- Provide our services
- Comply with legal, accounting, or reporting obligations
- Resolve disputes and enforce our agreements

8. Intellectual Property & Content Use
We deeply value the creative and personal contributions that support Grief Connections. To protect this work:

8.1 Photography and Visual Content
All visual content and photographs displayed on this website are the exclusive property of Grief Connections or the owner’s daughter. These images are protected by copyright and may contain watermarks for identification. Visitors are strictly prohibited from copying, downloading, or reusing any photographs for any purpose without obtaining prior written permission from the owner.

8.2 Personalized Candles and Creative Designs
All personalized candle designs, custom labels, and associated creative works are the sole intellectual property of the owner’s other daughter. These assets are legally protected by copyright and may not be copied, reproduced, or used for any personal or commercial purpose without her express written consent.

8.3 Guest Speaker Content
All guest speaker content—including videos, audio recordings, and transcripts—featuring individuals such as the owner’s husband, youngest daughter, and any other guest speakers is protected intellectual property. This material is for personal viewing only and may not be copied, downloaded, recorded, shared, or reused in any form without prior written permission from both the owner and the speaker.

8.4 Documents, Guides, and Brochures
All digital and printed documents, guides, and brochures provided to any visitor or paid member are intended strictly for individual, personal use. You may not share, copy, distribute, or reuse these materials in any format (digital or printed) without prior written permission from the owner.

9. Children’s and Families’ Privacy
Grief Connections may support families and individuals of different ages. Our services are primarily intended for adults and older teens, and any participation by minors should be guided and supervised by a parent or legal guardian.

We do not knowingly collect personal information from children without appropriate consent. If you believe we have collected information from a child without proper consent, please contact us so we can review and address the situation.

10. Your Rights and Choices
Depending on your location, you may have the right to:
- Access the personal information we hold about you
- Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete information
- Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and contractual obligations
- Object to or restrict certain types of processing
- Opt out of marketing communications at any time (for example, by using the “unsubscribe” link in emails)

To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details in Section 11.

11. Contact Us
If you have any questions about this Privacy Policy, your personal information, or your rights, please contact:

Grief Connections
Email: hello@griefconnections.com
Location: Richmond, VA, USA

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12. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, services, or legal requirements. When we do, we will revise the “Last updated” date at the top of this page. Your continued use of the website after any changes means you accept the updated policy.