Policies & Procedures

Diversity & Inclusion

Our Commitment to Inclusion: The Y is made up of people of all ages and from every walk of life working side by side to strengthen communities. Together we work to ensure that everyone, regardless of ability, age, cultural background, ethnicity, faith, gender, gender identity, ideology, income, national origin, race or sexual orientation has the opportunity to reach their full potential with dignity. Our core values are caring, honesty, respect and responsibility—they guide everything we do.

For All is a simple but powerful phrase. Without it, the Y mission is incomplete. Our commitment to inclusion creates better communities, a better country and a better world. We know that the key to effectively empowering young people to reach their full potential, improving individual and community well-being, and inspiring action in our communities is a passionate, experienced and diverse array of staff, volunteers and members who value what everyone brings to the table. Working in 10,000 U.S. communities and more than 120 countries worldwide makes strong diversity and inclusion practices paramount for the Y. We are passionate about strengthening communities and know that our ability to achieve it begins with reflecting and partnering with people from all walks of life.

For A Better Us™

Youth Development: All kids deserve the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve, under the guidance of caring adults who believe in their potential. Through the Y, millions of youth today are cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement. 

Healthy Living: We help people and families build and maintain healthy habits for spirit, mind and body in their everyday lives. Through programs like LIVESTRONG®  at the Y, Pedaling for Parkinson’s, and Diabetes Prevention, we are helping the nation battle chronic disease and improve individual and community health through programs that promote wellness, reduce risk of disease and help people reclaim their health.

Social Responsibility: With our doors open to all, we bring together people from all backgrounds, and support those who need us most. We take on the most urgent needs in our community and inspire a spirit of service in return.

Our Mission, Vision, & Core Values

Our Mission: To be a charitable non-profit organization that improves the quality of life in our communities through programs and services that strengthen the spirit, mind, and body for all. 
Our Vision: Transform lives through Healthy Living, Social Responsibility, and Youth Development.
Our Core Values: Language, attitudes and behavior will reflect the Y’s core values Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

Always Welcome In Every Community

Nationwide Membership enables you to visit any participating Y in the United States through membership at your home Y. This is an essential part of our mission to strengthen communities. To find a Y in another location, go to ymca.net.

Traveling? Commuting? We want you to take advantage of the Y wherever you live, work or travel. With Nationwide Membership, you have the flexibility to use participating Y facilities across the United States at no extra charge. This enables you as a Y member to reach your health and wellness goals wherever you live, work, or travel; and connect with the larger Y community in meaningful ways.

How does it work? If you plan to visit another Y, Stop in anytime at the Valparaiso Family YMCA Courtesy Desk and sign a Nationwide Membership waiver. When you visit any participating Y across the nation, your key tag from the Valparaiso Family YMCA will scan at those locations. You will need to maintain your active membership at the Valparaiso Family YMCA and use your home facility at least 50% of the time. Enjoy the convenience and support in your health journey!

Our membership is 21 million strong, and spread across more than 2,600 YMCA associations nationwide.

Nationwide Membership Liability Waiver: By participating in the YMCA Nationwide Membership Program, I agree to release the National Council of Young Men’s Christian Associations of the United States of America, and its independent and autonomous member associations in the United States and Puerto Rico, from claims of negligence for bodily injury or death in connection with the use of YMCA facilities, and  from any liability for other claims, including loss of property, to the fullest extent of the law. 

Youth Supervision: Children under the age of 10 years old must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian at all times. Please understand that we DO NOT PROVIDE staff supervision outside of program areas. Valparaiso Family YMCA staff who encounter an unaccompanied child will respond and take control in the following manner for the protection of the child:

• Staff will detain the child by engaging in conversation.  Because many times a child has simply run ahead of parent, by talking to the child, the parent will be able to “catch-up”.
• If after engaging in conversation for a few moments, and parent is still not present, Staff will then attempt to locate parent by searching the immediate/surrounding area; or if child knows where they were or what they were doing, go to that area of the building.
• If parent cannot be located, Staff will take the child to the Courtesy Desk.  Courtesy Desk Staff will then make a page for the parent following Code Adam paging guidelines.  Staff who brought child to the Courtesy Desk will remain with child until parent responds.
• If parent does not respond, Staff will take the child to Child Watch; when Child Watch is not open, the MSL on Duty will take responsibility of the child.
• Any child under the age of 10 who comes into the facility without an adult will not be allowed access into the facility. Child will be taken to Child Watch and Staff will call parent.  When Child Watch is not open, then the MSL on Duty will take responsibility of child and call parent.

We hope that every parent understands that these safeguards are in place in order to provide a safe environment for younger children.  The Valparaiso Family YMCA is a family-oriented and welcoming facility, where children quickly become familiar with and feel very comfortable; however we ask that parents always remain with their children who are younger than 10 years of age.

Child Watch and Drop-Off Care: Our quality Child Watch is offered as an in-building service while you are using the YMCA facilities and is available for infants (age 6 weeks & up) and children through the age of nine. The well-equipped playroom is staffed by dedicated and caring employees who spend time reading, playing and talking with the children. Members are entitled to up to 2hrs of Child Watch care while in the building OR 2hrs of Drop-Off Care to leave, which is paid, per day. Hours may not be combined. Since hours may vary for Drop-Off Care, please check with the Child Watch Department for scheduled times.

​See Child Watch Handbook for additional information.

Space is limited - reservations are required for Child watch. Log into your YMCA account to schedule your visit or call us 219.462.4185 ext 240.

Learning Independence & Personal Responsibility at the Y

Children aged 10-17 are welcome and able to enjoy our Y independently of their parents/guardians to build healthy living routines and have a safe place to socialize with friends. Youth in this age group are welcome to visit via a Youth Membership or Day Pass Visit.

Please stop by the Courtesy Desk with your child to make sure that their Waiver of Liability, Code of Conduct, and Emergency Contact forms are filled out. If you cannot make it in to the Y, please see the buttons below to complete these required items. Children who do not have these completed will not be able to access the facility as they cannot sign them for themselves as minors. If you do not already have an account, you will be prompted to create one first before signing the required agreements.

SIGN THE YOUTH WAIVER

Our policies are designed to ensure all members, program participants, staff, and guests feel safe and welcome at the Y. All individuals who visit our facility agree to the following policies by signing a Code of Conduct upon first visit to the Y (or a parent/guardian for applicable minors). By adhering to these guidelines, together we can maintain an environment reflective of the Y’s core values of Caring, Honesty, Respect, and Responsibility.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Y is committed to providing a positive environment that is safe and inclusive to all. We have adopted a Code of Conduct to govern the actions and behaviors of all who are in our facilities and participating in Y programs. Failure to follow any of our policies may result in being asked to leave the facility, suspension, or termination of membership/visitation privileges. The actions listed below are not an all-inclusive list. Other behaviors not listed may be considered unacceptable and result in disciplinary action. The Y reserves the right to deny or revoke membership, program partcipation and/or facility access at its sole discretion.

• Profanity or violent language
• Attire that is unfit for the activity being performed, causes indecent exposure, or displays violent/inappropriate messaging
• Smoking (including vaping), use of alcohol or drugs
• Sexually explicit conversations or behavior
• Any sexual contact with another person
• Harassment or intimidation of any kind
• Theft
• Carrying or concealing a weapon of any kind
• Criminal conduct of any kind
• Inappropriate use of electronic devices or cell phones
• Balances due, outstanding fees, failure to pay

GENERAL FACILITY POLICIES

• Check-In at the Access desk is REQUIRED with every visit. All members and guests will be required to sign the Waiver of Liability and Code of Conduct upon first visit and periodically thereafter. Every individual who visits our facility may be required to show proof a photo ID upon first visit and to have their picture taken without a head covering or obstruction of the face. After first visit, members may use a digital barcode or their key tag for check-in.
• Membership & Access Eligibility: The Valparaiso Family YMCA takes a NO TOLERNACE stance for anyone registered as a sex offender. Every individual who is a member of our Y will be screened against the National Sex Offender Registry upon joining and on a regular basis to ensure that all in our facility can learn, grow, and thrive in a safe environment. The Y further reserves the right to deny membership, program partcipation and/or facility access at its sole discretion to any person who has been accused or convicted of a crime involving child and/or sexual abuse, the conviction for use/sale/possession of illicit drugs, conviction of significantly violent offenses, or any other offense that may pose a threat to the safety of the facility or others.
• Tobacco & Smoke Free Campus: The Valparaiso Family YMCA is committed to providing a safe & healthy environment for all. Smoking or vaping of any kind is prohibited within 15 feet of all YMCA buildings and is not permitted anywhere in the facility at any time.
• Dress Code: The Valparaiso Family YMCA is a family-friendly facility, and we ask that those using our facility dress in a manner that is suitable for the activity being performed and that does not allow for indecent exposure. Clothing or accessories that have pictures or writing that is vulgar, suggestive or inappropriate are not allowed. Area specific dress codes include:
  • Track, Gym & Wellness Center: closed heel and toed athletic shoes must be worn at all times
  • Aquatic Areas: family friendly swim attire is encouraged at all times. Specific restrictions on aquatic dress code for the Hot Tub, Steam Room, and Sauna can be found here.
• Accessibility: The Valparaiso Family YMCA is committed to maintaining a welcoming environment to all by following all rules and regulations required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). We welcome service animals in accordance with the ADA policy defined and outlined here.
• Conflict of Interest: The Y encourages healthy living routines amongst families and teaching children how to adopt wellness routines that will benefit them throughout their lifetime. However, coaching/training/instructing of others outside of the family unit is not permitted. The Y and its facilities may not be used for informal or formal service delivery that directly competes with YMCA programs. This includes but is not limited to: Personal Training, Swim Instruction, and Sports Coaching. 
• Privacy & Electronic Devices: To respect others, the use of electronic devices and cell phones is limited. Cell phones and other camera enabled electronic devices are prohibited from being used in all locker rooms. Devices should be used with headphones for personal use to listen to music, watch videos/shows, or other forms of entertainment that is family friendly. If a member needs to make a phone call or send a message that will take a length of time, please use an area suitable for respecting others and speaking quietly. Use of camera or video equipment of any kind (including cell phones) of others in the facility without their express permission or express permission of the YMCA is prohibited.
• Age Restrictions: In accordance with outlined safety policies, certain areas of the facility have age related restrictions.
  • General Facility: children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian at all times. Children age 10-17 may use the facility on their own, with respect to other age related rules below.
  • Wellness Center: children aged 13 and under are not permitted in the Wellness Center or on Wellness Center equipment (including mezzanine). The only exceptions to this rule are for children age 10-13 who are accompanied by a parent/guardian or those who have successfully passed our Wellness Center 101 class. Children who have passed the class must check in with the Wellness Desk attendant to obtain a wristband.
  • Studios: children aged 13 and under are not permitted in Studios. The only exceptions to this rule are for children aged 10-13 who are accompanied by a parent/guardian or children who are participating in a Kid’s Fitness type class. Children age 14+ can participate in regular Group Exercise classes.
  • Aquatic Areas: Hot Tub, Steam Room, and Sauna are avaiable for use by anyone over the age of 15. No exceptions.
  • Child Watch: for children aged 6 weeks – 9 years
  • Locker Rooms: The Y has several inclusive Locker Room options to best fit the needs of individuals and families. Locker Room options include the Women’s/Girl’s group locker rooms, the Men’s/Boy’s group locker rooms, and 10 Individual/Family use locker rooms.
  • Teen Room: for youth ages 10+, is open after school and weekend hours

VALPARAISO FAMILY YMCA REGISTERED SEX OFFENDER POLICY

Policy Statement:

The Valparaiso Family YMCA is committed to creating a safe and welcoming environment for all members, participants, staff, and volunteers. To uphold this commitment, the YMCA has established a Registered Sex Offender Policy to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone involved in our programs and activities.

Purpose:

The purpose of this policy is to outline guidelines for the management of registered sex offenders who may wish to access the facilities, programs, and services provided by the Valparaiso Family YMCA. This policy is intended to balance the Y's responsibility to provide a safe environment with the need to comply with legal requirements and respect individuals' rights.

Policy Guidelines:

1. Notification and Verification:

The Valparaiso Family YMCA will require all individuals seeking membership, participating in programs, or volunteering to complete a comprehensive background check, which includes checking the national sex offender registry.

Registered sex offenders will be identified through this background check process. The YMCA will adhere to all legal requirements regarding the collection and use of this information.

2. Access Restrictions:

 Individuals identified as registered sex offenders will be prohibited from the Valparaiso Family YMCA facilities, programs, and services.

3. Confidentiality:

Information related to an individual's status as a registered sex offender will be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Access to this information will be restricted to authorized YMCA staff members.

4. Communication:

 The Valparaiso Family YMCA will communicate the Registered Sex Offender Policy to all members, participants, staff, and volunteers. This policy will be readily available on the YMCA's official website and at its facilities.

The policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains current and compliant with applicable laws and regulations.

5. Training and Education:

YMCA staff and volunteers will receive appropriate training to understand and implement the Registered Sex Offender Policy effectively.

Training will emphasize the importance of maintaining a safe and inclusive environment while respecting the rights and privacy of all individuals.

Compliance:

Failure to comply with the Valparaiso Family YMCA Registered Sex Offender Policy may result in appropriate actions, including denial of access, restriction of privileges, or removal from YMCA programs and facilities.

Implementation:

This policy will be implemented effective 9/1/2023. The designated YMCA leadership team will oversee its implementation, review its effectiveness regularly, and make necessary updates as needed.

AREA SPECIFIC POLICIES

Aquatic Areas
Whirlpool, Steam Room, and Sauna: are located on the deck of the lap pool and are co-ed. Appropriate attire is required. Temperature of each heating amenity is strictly controlled and should not be tampered with. Exercise, horseplay, or misconduct in these areas is strictly prohibited. Extra caution should be used to limit exposure and ensure a healthy visit.

Swimming Pools: Indiana State Law requires that a shower be taken before swimming or using the Whirlpool.

• Pushing, running, dunking, spitting or any other horseplay type behavior is prohibited.
• Food, drink, or gum is not allowed except for water in a non-breakable and sealed container.
• All swimmers under 48" tall who wish to use the Slide must pass a swim test, regardless of age.
• Ladders and stairs are only to be used for entering/exiting the pools.
• Forward dives are allowed only in deep end areas. No other type of diving is allowed.
• Non-swimmers are restricted to shallow areas of the pool and those under the age of 10 must be within arm’s reach of a parent/guardian.
• During crowded swim times, lap swim time should be limited to 30 minutes.
• The lifeguard reserves the right and responsibility to maintain safety at all times through rule enforcement.​

Wellness Center
We want all who use our equipment and wellness areas to avoid injuries and be well. We encourage each new member to stop by the Wellness Desk, which is always staffed when the facility is open, to take advantage of an Equipment Orientation.

• Clean, close toed athletic shoes must be worn at all times.
• Horseplay, slamming of weights, excessive noise, or abusive behavior is prohibited
• Cleaning equipment is required after each use with the provided towels and sanitizing solution
• Return all equipment to its appropriate location after use
• Gym Bags are prohibited in the Wellness Center. Please utilize a day-use locker for personal belongings.
• All equipment time should be limited to 30 minutes.
• Do not rest on machines between sets, allow others to work-in
• Open Studios C & D may be utilized for personal workout space when scheduled Group Exercise classes are not in session. All Wellness Center rules apply to Studios as well.
• Members wearing orthopedic devices, such as a walking boot, should use their best judgment when using the wellness center facility and may do so at their own risk, with the exception of the free weight area.

Gym & Track

• Close-toed, athletic shoes are always required
• Full Court basketball is only allowed when more than half of the gym is available for open use.
• Food and drink are not allowed in the Gym except for water in a sealed, non-breakable container
• Track direction switches by day. Follow the daily track direction posted on entry walls.
• Slower moving individuals should utilize the inside lane of the track, allow those moving faster to use the outside lanes.
• Strollers are not permitted.

Lockers & Locker Rooms
The Y has several inclusive Locker Room options to best fit the needs of individuals and families. Locker Room options include the Women’s/Girl’s group locker rooms, the Men’s/Boy’s group locker rooms, and 10 Individual/Family use locker rooms. Individuals should use the locker room that best fits their gender identity and comfort level. Anyone who desires more individual privacy or families with small children are welcome to use the Individual/Family use locker rooms. Additionally, 2 of the Individual/Family use locker rooms are designated Handicap facilities – please refrain from using these rooms unless in need of these accommodations.

• All lockers, located both in locker rooms and throughout the facility, are day-use only. Belongings may not be stored overnight. Any lockers which are still locked at closing each day are subject to being cut and belongings placed in Lost & Found at the Membership Desk.
• We encourage locks on all day use lockers. You may bring a personal lock from home or check one out, free of charge, from the Mmembership Desk for the day.
• The Y is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

PROGRAM SPECIFIC POLICIES

Program Registration: payment of all class fees is required at the time of registration to secure enrollment. Classes that do not meet minimum participant requirements may be cancelled.

Refunds & Credit Requests: may be submitted for review by stopping by the Membership Desk during business hours or contacting the Department Leader of the program. All credits will expire after one year from date issued to a member’s account.

• Aquatics: Nathan Cheek, ncheek@valpoymca.org or Deanna Hardin, dhardin@valpoymca.org
• Childcare: Melanie Hoffman, mhoffman@valpoymca.org
• Health & Wellness: Alyse Kominakis, akominakis@valpoymca.org
• Sports & Recreation: Kevin Freyenberger, kfreyenberger@valpoymca.org
• Please Note: All requests for system credit or refund must be made within two weeks of a program starting and are subject to Department Leader approval based upon the following criteria.
• Exemptions from Credit & Refund Requests: Weather Cancelation related requests will not be granted: The Valparaiso Family YMCA is not responsible for providing system credits due to weather related closures/cancelations.
• Swim lessons, group exercise classes, and sports practices cannot be made up. The Sports Dept. will attempt to reschedule a weather canceled game one time. If the game is canceled due to weather a second time, it will not be rescheduled.
• Days missed due to personal reason/vacation requests will not be granted: The Valparaiso Family YMCA is not responsible for these absences and will not issue credits or refunds for them.

The Valparaiso Family YMCA may issue system credits or refunds for the following reasons:

• Death of an immediate family member
• Illness/Injury with doctors note
• Request to drop out of a program prior to beginning of program
• Program is a poor fit for an individual, within first two weeks of starting
• Program conflicts with another YMCA program
• YMCA cancels/closes program for internal reasons
• Moving/canceling membership
• Personal Training/Private Swim Lessons/Individual Coaching: Must be used within 6 months from purchase date. Credit/Refund requests for unused sessions will not be granted.

Privacy Policy of the Valparaiso Family YMCA

Effective Date: January 1, 2025

The Valparaiso Family YMCA values your trust and is committed to safeguarding your personal information. This Privacy Policy outlines how we collect, use, and protect your information when you use our services, website, or mobile app.

EXTERNAL PRIVACY NOTICE
This privacy notice will advise you about our guidelines concerning the use of your personal information, including the reasonable efforts we make to protect your personal information in accordance with these guidelines, and about what choices you have concerning our use of such information. Please read this notice carefully.

1.0  PRIVACY

We keep your private information private by
•    Not selling your information. You have entrusted the National Council of Young Men’s Christian Association of the United States of America and its independent and autonomous member associations (collectively “The Y”) with your personal information, and we’re committed to using it wisely. The Y will not sell, share or otherwise transfer your personal information to anyone without your consent.
•    Restricting who has access to your information. The Y takes reasonable precautions to restrict access to your Internet account and personal information only by employees who are authorized to have such access for business purposes. If you have any questions or concerns about our privacy policy, please contact us at 219.462.4185.  

Please refer to this policy regularly. The Y may need to change this policy from time to time to address new issues and reflect changes on our websites or within YMCA branches. We will post material changes on our websites or otherwise notify you.

Scope of Privacy Policy
This policy applies to the personal information that you provide to The Y, either through our websites and mobile applications or in person at a YMCA branch or program site. This policy does not apply to your use of unaffiliated sites to which our websites link.  This policy does not apply to Personal Health Information (“PHI”) collected through the LiveStrong Program, Rock Steady Boxing or other programs offered by The Y that require the collection of PHI or other HIPPA protected information.

Collection of Personally Identifiable Information
The Y collects personally identifiable information (PII) from you when you voluntarily submit such information to us. The collection of PII may occur in person or on a website or mobile application operated, provided or otherwise controlled by The Y. This information may include your name, home address, email address, telephone number, date of birth, demographic information, sex-offender status, membership status, emergency contact information, and other information that we may need to collect in connection with certain events, including but not limited to:
•    registration for, or participation in, events, classes, camps, and other activities or programs offered by The Y;
•    participation in YMCA Nationwide Membership;
•    registration for surveys, forums, content submissions, chats, bulletin boards, discussion groups, requests for suggestions, or other services or activities offered on our website;
•    answering your inquiries about our websites, organization, membership, or other services or activities;
•    registration as a member of The Y;

Collection of Photographs
The Y may also collect your photograph, by capturing your image at a YMCA or scanning your personal identification card, for the purpose of identifying you as a member, volunteer or program participant.  Your photograph will not be used for any commercial purpose without your authorization.

Use and Disclosure of PII
If you do provide us with PII, The Y may contact you based on the information you provide to communicate with you about YMCA activities that may be of interest to you and your family.
The Y will use its best efforts to never disclose any PII about you to any third-party for purposes unrelated to the YMCA without having received your permission except as provided for herein or otherwise as permitted or required under applicable law.
We do not rent or sell PII, including information provided about children, to third-parties. The Y may share PII with trusted service providers, such as payment processors, technology partners or other providers that need access to your information to provide operational or other support services while you are a YMCA member or program participant. In certain circumstances, we may also share information with select similar nonprofit organizations that may offer activities of interest to you.
We may also provide PII to regulatory authorities and law enforcement officials in accordance with applicable law or when we otherwise believe in good faith that the provision of such information is required or permitted by law, such as in connection with the investigation or assertion of legal defenses or for compliance matters.

Collection of Payment Transaction Information
When you make a payment or donation, we collect information to process the financial transaction and may use that information to contact you in the future about The Y and its programs. Your payment information is transmitted to us, using a secure Internet method that helps maintain the privacy of this information. During the time your payment information resides on our computers, it is in an encrypted format and can only be accessed by authorized personnel with a decryption key.

Collection of Non-Personally Identifiable Information
We collect non-personally identifiable information without limitation, through the use of the following types of methodology:
•    “Cookie” technology: A cookie is an element of data that a website can send to your browser, which may then store it on your system to help enhance your experience in using our sites and to provide us with technical information about your usage.
•    IP address tracking: An IP address is a number that is assigned to your computer when you are on the Internet. When you request pages from our Sites, our servers log your IP address.
•    Web beacons: A web beacon, or “clear gif,” is a small graphic image on a webpage or web-based document that a website can use to determine information about a user.
Non-personally identifiable information might include the browser you use, the type of computer you use, technical information about your means of connection to our websites (such as the operating systems and the Internet service providers utilized), and other similar information. Our systems may also automatically gather information about the areas you visit and search terms you utilize on our websites and about the links you may select from within the sites to other areas of the World Wide Web or elsewhere online.  Although an industry-standard do-not-track (DNT) protocol has not yet been established, The Y’s information collection and disclosure practices and the choices it offers to consumers will continue to operate as described in this Policy.

Use of Non-Personally Identifiable Information
We use non-personally identifiable information for our purposes related to running YMCAs and their programs, and, in particular, to administering websites, and, in the aggregate, to determine what technologies are being used.  We may also share aggregate, non-personally identifiable information with third-parties.

Collection of Sensitive Information
Where necessary, The Y may collect certain sensitive information from you, including
•    payment card or bank account information to process fees or donations;
•    health information in connection with various fitness programs, programs in which we are responsible for supervising children, health screenings, or other health service events that we may provide from time to time;
Access to sensitive information is restricted to those individuals who have a legitimate need for access. We will not use or disclose your information to third-parties unless such disclosure is necessary to accomplish the purpose for which the information is collected.

Privacy of Children
We are mindful that young people need special safeguards and privacy protection. We realize that they may not understand or be able to meaningfully consent to the provisions of our policy or be able to make thoughtful decisions about the choices that are made available to our adult users. We strongly urge all parents or legal guardians to participate in their children’s exploration of the Internet and any online services and to teach their children about protecting their personal information while online.
To provide the services we offer, we sometimes need to collect certain information about children in both online and offline contexts. If we ask for PII from children under 13 in connection with our online services, where required we will comply with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), including taking additional steps to protect the privacy of such information, including
•    obtaining verifiable consent from the parent or legal guardian of the child before collecting or using the child’s PII;
•    notifying parents about what PII is being requested and how that PII will be used and/or shared, such as through this policy;
•    limiting the online collection of PII from children to no more than is reasonably necessary to accomplish the purpose of the collection;
•    giving parents a description of and access to the PII we have collected from their children;
•    offering them the opportunity to request that such PII be changed or deleted;
•    offering them an opportunity to prevent any further use or collection of information about their children; and
•    maintaining reasonable procedures to ensure the confidentiality, security and integrity of the personal information collected.
We may also need to collect certain information about children and minors in an offline context, such as when
•    a parent or legal guardian of a minor signs up for a membership including the child at a local YMCA, or for a program or camp we offer at one of our locations; and
•    minors visit our facilities without a membership, where we may collect information about them to be able to contact their parent or legal guardian to notify them of an injury or other issues involving the minor.

Links to Other Sites
Users may find other content on our websites that link to the sites and services of other third-parties. We do not control the content or links appearing on these sites. Third-party sites or services, including their content and links, may be constantly changing and may have their own privacy policies and customer service policies. We encourage you to review the privacy policies of any third-party sites or services before providing any of them with your personal information.

Surveys
Occasionally, our site requests information from users via web surveys. Participation in these surveys is completely voluntary, and the user therefore has a choice whether or not to disclose this information. Information requested may include demographic data (such as zip code and age), but nothing that can identify any individual person will be collected. Survey results will be used for purposes of monitoring or improving the use of and satisfaction with this site.

Choice/Opt-Out
If you opt-in to receive information from us, you can change your mind later. If at any time you would like to stop receiving such information or opt out of a feature, you may change your options by choosing the “unsubscribe” links in the communication or by emailing membership@valpoymca.org. You should be aware, however, that it is not always possible to completely remove or modify information in our databases and servers, although we will make reasonable efforts to do so upon your request, and we are unable to have your information removed from the records of any third-party who has been provided with your information in accordance with this policy.

Personal Data Access and Accuracy
You may contact The Y with inquiries or complaints regarding the use of information about you. We will use reasonable efforts to grant reasonable requests to access data about the requester. We will also make reasonable requests to correct any incorrect or misleading data about the requester.

2.0  SECURITY

YMCAs take appropriate administrative, technical, and physical measures to safeguard against unauthorized processing of personal information, and against the accidental loss of, or damage to, personal data.  However, The Y cannot provide an absolute guarantee of the security of any of our websites or any other site on the Internet.

Consent to Transfer
YMCA websites are operated in the United States. If you are located outside of the United States, please be aware that any information you provide to The Y will be transferred to the United States By using YMCA websites, participating in any YMCA services, and/or providing us with your information, you consent to this transfer.

Indiana Privacy Law
The Indiana privacy law permits Indiana residents to annually request and obtain information about what personal information is disclosed to third-parties for direct marketing purposes in the preceding calendar year. The Y does not distribute your personal information to outside parties for their direct marketing without your consent.

Updating your Personal Information
You can update your personal information by logging into your account through the Member Login link in the footer of our website, or by emailing us at membership@valpoymca.org or via a written request to your local branch. Please do not send us Social Security numbers or other sensitive information via unencrypted email.

Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your data is used, please contact us:

Valparaiso Family YMCA
1201 Cumberland Crossing Dr.
Valparaiso, IN 46383
Phone: 219.462.4185
Email: membership@valpoymca.org