Join us in our mission to extend hope, dignity, and compassion.

Privacy Policy

Kindness Initiative (KI) is an independent nonprofit program, under fiscal sponsorship of the Jewish Federation of San Diego county. KI works with specialist, local social Service Providers and community volunteers, to assist vulnerable Jewish individuals in San Diego County, to assess their needs, identify suitable Service Providers, create action plans to regain self-sufficiency, and assist Members with navigating and advocating for them to receive needed services, and provide socialization opportunities. We are required by law to inform clients of our policies regarding privacy of client information. KI observes all state and federal requirements regarding the confidentiality and safeguarding of personal information of its clients.

Please read this notice carefully to understand what we do to protect your confidential information.

KI collects your personal information when you apply for Membership, or as a volunteer. We may also collect or verify your non-public personal information from credit bureaus and other sources, always with your authorization. The types of personal information we collect on our clients can include: Social Security number, driver license number, address, telephone number, health care records, income, credit history, and credit scores.

How customers’ information is shared

KI maintains the confidentiality of personal information regarding its Members and volunteers, except to the extent required or permitted by law (e.g. in response to court orders or legal investigations) or for our everyday business purposes, such as to report to credit bureaus, to process client applications with service providers, or introduce volunteers to clients for support. In all such situations, we stress the confidential nature of the information being shared.

No mobile information will be shared with third parties/affiliates for marketing/promotional purposes. All other categories exclude text messaging originator opt-in data and consent; this information will not be shared with any third parties. 

Messaging Terms and Conditions: You consent to receive informational text message responses in relation to your initial communication. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply. You may opt out of receiving text SMS at any time by replying STOP or by sending an email to [email protected]. Reply HELP for Support.

KI restricts access to your personal information, only to those who need it to process your application and receive services. KI retains records relating to services that we provide so that we are better able to assist clients with their needs. To protect personal information from unauthorized access and use, KI maintains physical, electronic, and procedural safeguards that comply with federal and internal standards. These measures include computer safeguards and secured files. KI will continue to adhere to the privacy policies and practices as described in this notice, even after you finish receiving services.

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KI staff is trained to maintain and protect personal information, unless in compliance with this policy. Your privacy and the ability to provide you with quality services and a dignified experience are very important to us. If you have questions about our privacy policy, please call 858.216.1666 or email [email protected]

Personal Dignity at Kindness Initiative

At Kindness Initiative, personal dignity means recognizing and reinforcing the inherent worth, individuality, and potential of every person we serve. Poverty, crisis, homelessness, or dependence on others can gradually erode confidence, independence, and a person’s belief in their own ability to move forward. We therefore seek not merely to provide assistance, but to restore a sense of agency, self-respect, hope, and control. Members and Clients are treated as individuals with strengths, preferences, choices, and aspirations not as problems to be solved or recipients of charity. Through respectful relationships, personalized support, meaningful choice, and opportunities to participate in their own path forward, we strive to ensure that every interaction communicates: you matter, your voice matters, you are capable, and your circumstances do not define your worth. Ultimately, dignity is restored when a person begins to see themselves not through the lens of what they lack or what has happened to them, but with renewed confidence in who they are and what they can become.

At Kindness Initiative, restoring personal dignity is not only an important outcome in itself; it is also an essential step toward rebuilding the confidence, agency, and sense of possibility that enable Members to actively participate in the tasks and decisions necessary to achieve their individually defined and aspirational goals.

Terms & Conditions

Kindness Initiative Member Etiquette Policy Statement

Just as we expect our staff, volunteers, and service provider organizations to abide by basic civil interpersonal behavior consistent with Jewish values, we expect our Members to:

  • Be courteous, polite, and respectful to all service provider staff and volunteers.
  • Assist yourself wherever possible in attaining emergency and self-sufficiency plans.
  • Offer warm and sincere greeting; be prompt in responding to calls, e-mails, or correspondence; and be on time for all appointments.
  • Try not to become frustrated with disappointing performance of service providers. You have an opportunity to reflect your concerns in the website post-event survey.
  • Always exhibit the highest levels of personal hygiene.
  • Take responsibility for your own safety.
  • Don't talk about others in a negative or hurtful way (Lashon Hara).
  • Be kind to others. You are a Member of the Kindness Initiative.

Not adhering to any of the above repeatedly may result in termination of membership privileges.

Other Jewish Values KINDNESS INITIATIVE Encourages Include:

  • Taking responsibility to participate actively in the local Jewish community, both as an expression of good citizenship and as a model for others.
  • Continuing to expand your Jewish understanding and knowledge.
  • Always acting ethically.
  • Supporting the unique relationship between Israel and the Jewish Diaspora.
  • Being an exemplary ambassador for yourself, your family, and the Jewish people through your actions.