Privacy Policy

Effective date: October 18, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how Bear West ("Bear West", "we", "us" or "our") collects, uses, shares and protects personal information in connection with our website (bearwest.net) and the services and messaging programs we operate, including the Digital Skills Workshop Reminders text message program we operate on behalf of Workforce Connection.

Information We Collect

For our messaging programs, we collect information that you or program staff provide when you register:

• Your name
• Your mobile phone number and/or email address
• Your choices about whether to receive text message and email reminders
• Details of the workshops you are enrolled in, such as dates, times and location

We also keep records of the messages we send (for example, when a reminder was sent and whether it was delivered) and of opt-out and opt-in requests, such as when you text STOP or START.

When you visit our website, our hosting provider may automatically log standard technical information such as your IP address, browser type and the pages you visit. This website does not use advertising or tracking cookies.

How We Use Your Information

We use the information we collect to:

• Send you reminders about workshops you are enrolled in
• Respond to HELP requests and other questions
• Honor your opt-out and opt-in requests
• Operate, maintain and secure our services
• Comply with legal obligations

We do not use your information to send you marketing or promotional messages.

How We Share Your Information

We share information only as needed to provide our services, specifically:

• Service providers who deliver messages on our behalf, such as our SMS provider (Twilio) and our email delivery provider. They may use your information only to deliver our messages and provide their services to us.
• The program operator (Workforce Connection), which enrolls participants and manages the workshops the reminders relate to.
• Legal requirements, when we believe disclosure is required by law, court order or other legal process, or is necessary to protect the rights, property or safety of Bear West, our clients or others.

Your Choices

• Text messages: text STOP to the number that sends you messages to opt out at any time, or START to opt back in. Text HELP for help.
• Email and text reminders: you can ask program staff to turn off email or text reminders, or contact us at support@bearwest.net.
• Access and correction: you can ask us to see, correct or delete the personal information we hold about you by contacting us at the address below. Some information may need to be kept by the program operator for its own records.

How We Protect Your Information

We use reasonable administrative, technical and physical safeguards to protect personal information, including restricting access to authorized personnel and using encrypted connections where supported. No method of transmission or storage is completely secure, but we work to protect your information.

How Long We Keep Information

We keep personal information only for as long as needed to provide our services, keep records of messages and opt-out requests, and meet legal obligations. Records of opt-out requests are kept so that we continue to honor them.

Children's Privacy

Our services are not directed to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13.

Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Changes take effect when posted on this page, and the effective date above will be updated.

Contact Us

Questions or requests about this Privacy Policy can be sent to support@bearwest.net.