Terms of Service

By accessing or using CARE Collective website and services, you agree to be bound by these Terms of Service and our Privacy Policy. If you do not agree to these terms, you may not access or use our services.

These terms apply to all users of the platform, including those who browse, post help requests, offer assistance, or communicate through our messaging system.

The CARE Collective is a mutual assistance platform that connects family caregivers in Southwest Missouri for the exchange of practical help, shared resources, and support. Our services include:

• Creating and responding to help requests
• Secure messaging between members
• Resource sharing and community information
• Community events and learning opportunities

The CARE Collective serves as a facilitator and platform provider only. We do not provide caregiving services directly, nor do we employ or control the actions of our members.

Account Creation

To use the CARE Collective, you must create an account and provide accurate, complete information. You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your account credentials and for all activities that occur under your account.

Eligibility

You must be at least 18 years old to use this service. By creating an account, you represent that you meet this age requirement and that all information you provide is accurate.

Your Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date account information
• Notify us immediately of any unauthorized account access
• Use the platform only for its intended purpose of mutual assistance among caregivers
• Follow all applicable laws and regulations
• Respect the rights and dignity of other members

Members of the CARE Collective agree to:

• Treat all caregivers with respect and avoid judgment or discrimination based on their situations, choices, or circumstances.
• Keep all shared information confidential and use member contact details only for CARE Collective exchanges.
• Honor commitments by communicating promptly if plans change or you're unable to follow through on an exchange.
• Respect each caregiver's limits around time, energy, and the type of support they can give or receive.
• Use the platform only to give or receive caregiving help and use good judgment about safety when meeting or exchanging with members.
• Avoid harassment or any behavior that undermines the safety or trust of the community.

Violation of these standards may result in account suspension or termination.

We take your privacy seriously. Your contact information is never shared publicly, and we only facilitate contact sharing when you explicitly choose to offer or accept help.

For complete information about how we collect, use, and protect your data, please review our Privacy Policy.

By using the CARE Collective, you consent to our data practices as described in the Privacy Policy.

You may not use the CARE Collective to:

• Harass, threaten, or intimidate other members
• Post false, misleading, or fraudulent content
• Solicit donations or sell products or services
• Share spam, malware, or malicious links
• Violate any local, state, or federal laws
• Infringe on intellectual property rights
• Collect personal information from other users without consent
• Impersonate another person or entity

The CARE Collective platform, including its design, code, content, and branding, is owned by CARE Collective. The platform is developed in partnership with Missouri State University. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of any materials is prohibited.

You retain ownership of content you post (such as help request descriptions), but grant us a license to display and use this content to operate and improve the platform.

We reserve the right to suspend or terminate your account if you violate these Terms of Service or engage in behavior that compromises the safety or trust of the community.

You may also close your account at any time by contacting the administrator. Upon account closure, your personal information will be handled according to our Privacy Policy.

We may update these Terms of Service from time to time. When we make changes, we will update the "Last Updated" date at the top of this page and notify active users via email or platform notification.

Your continued use of the platform after changes are posted constitutes acceptance of the updated terms.

If you have a dispute with another member, we encourage you to resolve it directly and amicably. If you have concerns about safety or conduct, please contact the administrator immediately.

These Terms of Service are governed by the laws of the State of Missouri, United States.

If you have questions about these Terms of Service or need to report a concern, please contact: