Purpose: The Montrose Center is committed to protecting the privacy and dignity of all individuals who participate in our programs, especially the youth served by our HATCH Youth Program in accordance with the right to privacy under Texas law. This Agreement ensures that any information provided or obtained regarding the Center’s services, including but not limited to, the HATCH Youth Program, is used solely for the purposes of the programs.

Confidentiality Acknowledgment:

By submitting my request for information, I acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. Non-Disclosure of Information and Acknowledgements:
I understand that any information provided by the Montrose Center regarding its services, including but not limited to the HATCH Youth Program, is confidential (the “Confidential Information”). Confidential Information means information developed by or on behalf of the Montrose Center, including notes, presentations, summaries, calendars, studies, documents, discussions, materials, observations or other intangible information. As such, I agree not to disclose, share, reproduce, or disseminate any Confidential Information to any third party, for any reason without the express written consent of the Montrose Center.

I acknowledge the sensitive nature of the Confidential Information, and that any disclosure of Confidential Information in violation of this Agreement would seriously and adversely affect the interests of the Montrose Center.

I acknowledge that I may retain mental impressions of Confidential Information shared, shown, or given to me or that I may have mental impressions of these items. I acknowledge that the disclosure of mental impressions will also constitute a breach and violation of this Agreement.

2. Prohibition on Investigative Purposes:

I affirm that I am not gathering information for the purpose of conducting journalism, investigative reporting, academic or institutional research, or conducting any form of inquiry intended for publication or public dissemination. I further affirm that I am not acting on behalf of, or in coordination with, any investigative body, journalist, researcher, or government entity.

3. Use of Information:

I agree that any Confidential Information obtained will be used solely for purposes of my personal understanding of the services offered by the Montrose Center or potential engagement with the Montrose Center related to the services.

4. Digital Confidentiality and Data Protection:

a. Electronic Communications: I understand that any Confidential Information shared through email, digital platforms, or virtual meetings is subject to the same confidentiality obligations as information shared in person or by hard copy. I agree not to record, screenshot, forward, or otherwise distribute any Confidential Information, including but not limited to digital communications, without explicit, written permission from the Montrose Center.

b. Data Security: I agree to take reasonable precautions to protect any electronic information received from the Montrose Center, including using secure devices and networks. Unauthorized access, storage, or sharing of this information—whether intentional or accidental—will be considered a breach of this agreement.

c. Online Inquiries: If my request for information is submitted via an online platform (such as email or web form), I acknowledge that the Montrose Center’s privacy policies apply. I will not use any automated tools, data-mining technologies, reverse engineering programs, or screen-scraping software to collect information from the Montrose Center’s digital platforms.

5. Protection of Privacy:

I understand that Texas law, including the constitutional right to privacy and related statutes, protects the personal information and identities of individuals participating in programs offered by the Montrose Center. I agree that such personal information and identities of participants is also Confidential Information subject to the terms and conditions of this Agreement. I agree to respect and uphold these privacy rights at all times, including through digital and online interactions.

6. Breach of Agreement:

I acknowledge that any breach of this Agreement, including violations involving digital confidentiality, may result in legal action, and I acknowledge that the Montrose Center would be entitled to money damages, equitable remedies, or both for any breach of the obligations under this Agreement. I acknowledge that in the event of any breach of this Agreement, the Montrose Center would be irreparably and immediately harmed and may not be made whole by monetary damages alone. Accordingly, the Montrose Center may be entitled at law or in equity to seek injunctive relieve without the posting of any bond and without proof of actual damages to prevent breaches or threatened breaches of this Agreement or compel specific performance of this Agreement. I agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the Montrose Center from any losses, costs, damages, or claims of any kind as a result of the breach of this Agreement.

7. Termination and Governing Law:

This agreement will terminate 5 years after the Effective Date of this Agreement. I acknowledge that this Agreement is governed by and interpreted under the laws of Texas. Any disputes relating to this Agreement must be brough in a court of competent jurisdiction in Harris County, Houston, Texas and I waive any defense I have regarding jurisdiction.