Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: 08/03/2026


Policy:


Creative Community Options, Inc. dba Candeo (“Candeo,” “we,” “our,” or “us”) respects your privacy and is committed to protecting the personal information we collect and use in connection with our programs, services, website (candeoiowa.org), and communications.


This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard information when you visit our website, interact with our services, or communicate with us, including through email, phone, and text messaging (SMS).


This policy does not apply to information collected by:

  1. Us through any other means, including on any other website operating by us or any third party that does not link to this policy; or
  2. Any third party, including through any application or content (including advertising) that may link to or be accessible from or through our services.


Candeo is a covered entity under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Protected health information (PHI) that we collect and maintain about the individuals we serve is governed by our separate Notice of Privacy Practices, which we make available on request and prominently post on our website, and not by this Privacy Policy. This Privacy Policy governs information collected through our website and general communications that is not PHI.


Please read this policy carefully to understand our policies and practices regarding your information and how to treat it. By interacting with our services or providing us with your information, you agree to the collection, use, and sharing of your information as described in this privacy policy. This policy may change from time to time. Your continued use of the services after we make changes as described here is deemed to be acceptance of those changes, so please check the policy periodically for updates.

 

1. Information We Collect

We may collect personal information that you voluntarily provide to us, including:

  • Name
  • Phone number
  • Email address
  • Mailing address
  • Information you submit through contact forms or intake forms
  • Information you provide when communicating with us regarding services, support, scheduling, or related matters


We may also collect limited technical information automatically through our website, such as IP address, browser type, referring pages, and usage data. We may use cookies, web beacons, pixels, and similar tracking technologies to collect information about your interactions with our website. You may manage your cookie preferences through your browser settings.


Sensitive Personal Information: Depending on the services you receive, we may collect sensitive personal information, such as health-related information provided in connection with care coordination. We use sensitive personal information only as necessary to provide services and as permitted by applicable law. We do not use or disclose sensitive personal information for purposes other than those disclosed at collection without your consent.

 

2. How We Use Information

We may use the information we collect to:

  • Respond to inquiries and provide requested information
  • Communicate regarding services, scheduling, coordination, and support
  • Provide assistance to clients, families, guardians, caregivers, staff, and related stakeholders
  • Improve our website, services, and communications
  • Maintain records and comply with legal, regulatory, and operational requirements
  • Protect the security and integrity of our systems and services

 

3. How We Share Information

We do NOT sell or share your personal information for cross-context targeted advertising.


We may share information only as necessary to:

  • Provide services and operational support
  • Work with service providers that support our website, communications, and business operations
  • Comply with law, regulation, subpoena, court order, or other legal process
  • Protect the rights, safety, and security of Candeo, our clients, staff, and others


All third-party service providers are expected to use information only for authorized business purposes and to protect it appropriately.


The categories of third parties with whom we may share information include service providers and business associates that support our operations, government agencies and funders in connection with the services we provide, and parties involved in legal, safety, or compliance matters. We do not use or disclose protected health information for marketing, and we do not sell protected health information, without a written authorization that meets HIPAA requirements, which you may revoke at any time.

 

4. SMS / Text Messaging Privacy

Candeo may use SMS (text messaging) to facilitate direct, one-to-one communication related to services, scheduling, coordination, and support.

SMS Communications May Include:

  • Service-related updates
  • Scheduling coordination
  • Follow-up communications
  • Direct communication between staff and clients, guardians, caregivers, or other authorized contacts

 

SMS Consent

If you provide your mobile number and agree to receive text messages from Candeo, you consent to receive service-related SMS communications from us. These messages are service- and information-related; Candeo does not send marketing or promotional text messages without your separate prior express written consent. This SMS program is operated by Candeo to communicate with the individuals we serve and their authorized contacts. Message frequency may vary. Standard message and data rates may apply depending on your mobile carrier plan.


You may opt out at any time by any reasonable method, including by replying STOP or similar word to any message or by contacting us using the information below. We will honor opt-out requests promptly and no later than ten (10) business days after we receive them. For assistance, reply HELP or contact us using the information below.


Carrier Disclaimer: Carriers are not liable for delayed or undelivered messages. Candeo is not responsible for messages that fail to deliver due to carrier limitations.

 

No Sharing of Mobile Opt-In Data

No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Mobile phone numbers and text messaging originator opt-in data and consent information will not be shared with any third parties except as necessary to provide the text messaging services, to comply with applicable law, or to protect our legal rights.


SMS Data Collection: When you communicate with us via SMS, we collect your mobile phone number, the content of your messages, your opt-in/opt-out status, and timestamps. This information is used only to facilitate service-related communications and is not shared for marketing purposes.

 

5. Your State Privacy Rights

Depending on your state of residency, you may have certain rights related to your personal data, including:

  • Access and Data Portability. You may confirm whether we process your personal data and access a copy of the personal data we process. To the extent feasible and required by state law, data will be provided in a portable format. Depending on your state, you may have the right to receive additional information and it will be included in the response to your access request.
  • Correction. You may request that we correct inaccuracies in your personal data that we maintain, taking into account the information’s nature and processing purpose.
  • Deletion. You may request that we delete personal data about you that we maintain, subject to certain exception under applicable law.
  • Opt Out of Using Personal Data for Sales, Targeted Advertising, and Profiling for Certain Legal or Similarly Significant Decisions. You may have the right to request that we do not use your personal data for these purposes.


Important: The exact scope of these rights vary by state. There are also several exceptions where we may not have an obligation to fulfill your request.


To exercise any of these rights, or to appeal a decision regarding a consumer rights contact us using the information below.


Some browsers and browser extensions support the Global Privacy Control (“GPC”) that can send a signal to process your request to opt out from certain types of data processing, including data "sales" as defined under certain laws. When we detect such a signal, we will make reasonable efforts to respect your choices indicated by a GPC setting as required by applicable law.

 

6. Data Security

We use reasonable administrative, technical, and physical safeguards designed to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. However, no data transmission or storage system can be completely secure and we do not guarantee the security of your personal data transmitted to, through, using, or in connection with the services. In particular, email, texts, and chats sent to or from the services may not be secure, and you should carefully decide what information you send to us via such communications channels. Any transmission of personal data is at your own risk. You are responsible for taking steps to protect your personal data against unauthorized use, disclosure, and access.

 

7. Retention of Information

We retain the information described in this policy for as long as reasonably necessary to fulfill the purposes described in this Privacy Policy, to comply with legal and regulatory requirements, to support our operational needs, resolving disputes, and for safety, security, and fraud prevention. Retention periods vary by the type of information collected. At the end of the retention period, personal data will be deleted, destroyed, or deidentified.

 

8. Your Choices

You may contact us to:

  • Update or correct your contact information
  • Ask questions about our privacy practices
  • Request that we stop certain communications where applicable
  • Request access to the personal information we hold about you
  • Request correction of inaccurate personal information
  • Request deletion of your personal information, subject to legal and recordkeeping exceptions
  • Appeal a decision we make regarding your privacy request


You may opt out of text communications at any time by any reasonable method, including by replying STOP.


To submit a request, contact us using the information below. We will not require you to create an account to make a request, and we will respond within the timeframes required by applicable law. If your request concerns protected health information, your rights, including the rights to access, amend, request restrictions on, request confidential communications of, and receive an accounting of disclosures of that information, are described in and handled under our Notice of Privacy Practices.

 

9. Third-Party Links

Our website may contain links to third-party websites. We are not responsible for the privacy practices or content of third-party sites.

 

10. Large Language Model Training Disclosure

We do not collect, use, or sell personal data for the purpose of training large language models.

 

11. Children’s and Minors’ Data

Our services are not intended for, and we do not knowingly collect any personal information from, children under the age of 13. If we learn we have collected or received personal data from a child under 13 years old without verification of parental consent, we will delete that information.

 

12. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any updates will be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date.

 

13. Contact Us

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or our privacy practices, please contact us:


Candeo 

9550 White Oak Lane, Suite 200

Johnston, IA 50131


Privacy Policy

Last updated: 8/3/2026

 

Terms and Conditions


These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern your use of the website and text messaging services offered by Creative Community Options, Inc dba Candeo (“Candeo,” “we,” “our,” or “us”). These Terms constitute a legally binding agreement between you and Candeo. Please read them carefully before accessing or using our services.


By accessing or using our website, communicating with us, or opting in to receive text messages from Candeo, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access or use our services.


Eligibility and Age Restrictions

Our services are intended solely for users who are 13 years of age or older. By accessing or using our website or services, or by opting in to receive text messages, you represent and warrant that you are at least 13 years of age. If you are under 13 years old, you are not permitted to access or use our services under any circumstances.


We reserve the right, in our sole discretion, to terminate access to our services for any user who we reasonably believe is under 13 years of age or who has misrepresented their age.


1. Purpose of Communications

Candeo provides services and support in the healthcare and social services field. Text messaging and other communications may be used to support service-related coordination, scheduling, follow-up, appointment reminders, and direct communication between our staff and clients, guardians, caregivers, family members, or other authorized contacts.


Our SMS communications are intended for direct, one-to-one, conversational communications and are NOT used for marketing, bulk messaging, or automated promotional campaigns.


2. Consent to Receive SMS Messages

By providing your mobile phone number and opting in to receive text messages from Candeo, you consent to receive SMS messages related to services, support, scheduling, coordination, and related communications at the mobile number you provided. You confirm that you are the subscriber or customary user of the mobile phone number provided and are authorized to consent to receive text messages at that number.


Your consent to receive text messages is voluntary and is not a condition of purchasing any goods or receiving any services from Candeo, unless text communication is specifically necessary for a particular service you have requested. You may revoke your consent at any time as described herein.


3. Message Frequency

Message frequency varies based on your interactions with Candeo, the nature of services, scheduling needs, and communication preferences.


4. Message and Data Rates

Standard message and data rates may apply according to your mobile carrier plan. Candeo is not responsible for any charges imposed by your wireless provider.


5. Opt-Out Instructions

You may opt out of receiving SMS messages from Candeo at any time by replying STOP or similar word to any text message you receive from us, or by contacting us by phone or email using the information set forth below. Candeo will honor your opt-out request within 10 business days. Upon receipt of your opt-out request, we will send you a single confirmatory message and cease sending you text messages within a reasonable time.


After you opt out, you will no longer receive SMS messages from that messaging program or number. If you wish to rejoin and receive text messages again, you may opt back in by following the original opt-in process or by contacting us directly.


6. Help Instructions

For help or information about our text messaging program, reply HELP to any text message from Candeo. You may also contact us directly at:


7. Appropriate Use of SMS

IMPORTANT: SMS messaging is not intended for and should not be used for emergencies or urgent situations. If you are experiencing a medical or other emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency service provider immediately. Do not rely on SMS to communicate emergency information.


Do not use SMS to send highly sensitive, urgent, or time-critical information unless specifically directed by Candeo and appropriate for the situation. Candeo is not responsible for any delays in the delivery of text messages, which may occur due to factors outside our control.


8. Protected Health Information and Text Messaging

Standard SMS text messages are not encrypted and are not a fully secure method of communication. By opting in to receive text messages from Candeo, you acknowledge that our messages to you may include limited protected health information and that you accept the risks of communicating by unencrypted text. Candeo limits the health information included in text messages to the minimum necessary for the communication.


You have the right to request that Candeo communicate with you about health matters by alternative means or at an alternative location (for example, by telephone or mail instead of text). We will accommodate reasonable requests and will not require you to explain the reason for your request.


9. Privacy

Your use of our services, including SMS, is also governed by our Privacy Policy:

Privacy Policy: www.candeoiowa.org/privacy


Candeo is a covered entity under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Our collection, use, and disclosure of protected health information is governed by our Notice of Privacy Practices, available at [insert URL], which is incorporated into these Terms by reference.


We do not sell personal information. No mobile information will be shared with third parties or affiliates for marketing or promotional purposes. Mobile phone numbers and text messaging opt-in data will not be shared with any third parties except as necessary to provide the text messaging services, to comply with applicable law, or to protect our legal rights.


10. Service Availability

Text messaging service may not be available at all times or in all areas and may be affected by mobile carrier limitations, signal availability, or technical issues. Delivery is not guaranteed.


11. Intellectual Property

All content, features, and functionality on our website and services—including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, icons, images, audio clips, digital downloads, data compilations, software, and the overall design and arrangement thereof—are owned by Candeo, our licensors, or other providers of such material and are protected by United States and international copyright, trademark, patent, trade secret, and other intellectual property or proprietary rights laws.


You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works of, publicly display, publicly perform, republish, download, store, or transmit any material from our website or services without our prior written consent, except that you may print or download a reasonable number of pages for your own personal, non-commercial use.


The Candeo name, logo, and all related names, logos, product and service names, designs, and slogans are trademarks of Candeo or its affiliates. You may not use such marks without our prior written permission.


12. User Conduct

You agree to use our website and services only for lawful purposes and in accordance with these Terms. You agree not to: (a) use our services in any way that violates any applicable federal, state, local, or international law or regulation; (b) engage in any conduct that restricts or inhibits anyone’s use or enjoyment of our services; (c) attempt to gain unauthorized access to, interfere with, damage, or disrupt any parts of our services, servers, or networks; (d) use any robot, spider, or other automatic device to monitor or copy any material from our services; (e) impersonate or attempt to impersonate Candeo, a Candeo employee, another user, or any other person or entity; or (f) transmit any material that is defamatory, obscene, threatening, abusive, or otherwise objectionable.


13. Changes to These Terms

We may revise these Terms from time to time in our sole discretion. The most current version will always be posted on this page with a revised “Last Updated” date. By continuing to access or use our services after any revisions become effective, you agree to be bound by the revised Terms. If you do not agree to the new Terms, you must stop using our services. For material changes, we will use reasonable efforts to provide notice, such as by posting a prominent notice on our website or, where appropriate, sending you an email notification.


14. Termination

We may suspend or terminate your access to our website or services at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice. Upon termination, your right to use our services will immediately cease. All provisions of these Terms that by their nature should survive termination shall survive, including, without limitation, ownership provisions, warranty disclaimers, indemnification, limitation of liability, and dispute resolution provisions.


15. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable by a court of competent jurisdiction, such invalidity, illegality, or unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of these Terms, and these Terms shall be construed as if such invalid, illegal, or unenforceable provision had never been contained herein.


16. Entire Agreement

These Terms, together with our Privacy Policy and any other legal notices or policies published by us on the website, constitute the entire agreement between you and Candeo with respect to the subject matter hereof and supersede all prior or contemporaneous communications, representations, or agreements, whether oral or written, with respect to such subject matter.


17. Indemnification

You agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Candeo, its affiliates, and their respective officers, directors, employees, contractors, agents, licensors, suppliers, successors, and assigns from and against any claims, liabilities, damages, judgments, awards, losses, costs, expenses, or fees (including reasonable attorneys’ fees) arising out of or relating to: (a) your violation of these Terms; (b) your use of our website or services; (c) your violation of any third-party rights, including any intellectual property, privacy, or publicity rights; or (d) any content you submit or transmit through our services.


18. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

These Terms and any dispute or claim arising out of or related to them, their subject matter, or their formation (including non-contractual disputes or claims) shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Iowa, without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule.


19. Disclaimer of Warranties

OUR WEBSITE AND SERVICES ARE PROVIDED ON AN “AS IS” AND “AS AVAILABLE” BASIS, WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, CANDEO DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, TITLE, AND NON-INFRINGEMENT.


CANDEO DOES NOT WARRANT THAT THE WEBSITE OR SERVICES WILL BE UNINTERRUPTED, ERROR-FREE, OR FREE OF VIRUSES OR OTHER HARMFUL COMPONENTS, OR THAT ANY DEFECTS WILL BE CORRECTED. YOU ASSUME ALL RESPONSIBILITY AND RISK FOR YOUR USE OF OUR WEBSITE AND SERVICES.


20. Limitation of Liability

TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, IN NO EVENT SHALL CANDEO, ITS AFFILIATES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, LICENSORS, OR SERVICE PROVIDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE, OR EXEMPLARY DAMAGES, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO DAMAGES FOR LOSS OF PROFITS, GOODWILL, USE, DATA, OR OTHER INTANGIBLE LOSSES, ARISING OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH YOUR ACCESS TO OR USE OF (OR INABILITY TO ACCESS OR USE) OUR WEBSITE OR SERVICES, WHETHER BASED ON WARRANTY, CONTRACT, TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE), STATUTE, OR ANY OTHER LEGAL THEORY, EVEN IF CANDEO HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.


TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY APPLICABLE LAW, THE TOTAL LIABILITY OF CANDEO AND ITS AFFILIATES, OFFICERS, DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, AGENTS, LICENSORS, AND SERVICE PROVIDERS TO YOU FOR ALL CLAIMS ARISING OUT OF OR RELATING TO THESE TERMS OR YOUR USE OF THE WEBSITE OR SERVICES SHALL NOT EXCEED ONE HUNDRED DOLLARS ($100.00) OR THE TOTAL AMOUNT YOU HAVE PAID TO CANDEO IN THE TWELVE (12) MONTHS PRECEDING THE CLAIM, WHICHEVER IS GREATER.


THE LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY SET FORTH IN THIS SECTION DO NOT PURPORT TO LIMIT LIABILITY OR ALTER YOUR RIGHTS AS A CONSUMER THAT CANNOT BE EXCLUDED UNDER APPLICABLE LAW. SOME JURISDICTIONS DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF CERTAIN DAMAGES, SO SOME OF THE ABOVE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU.


21. Contact Information

If you have questions about these Terms & Conditions, please contact us:


Candeo 

9550 White Oak Lane, Suite 200

Johnston, IA 50131