Terms And Conditions

Last Updated: June 11, 2026

Effective Date: June 11, 2026

 

1. Introduction And Acceptance Of Terms

Welcome to the website and programs of Unlocking Gems, Inc. (also referred to as “Unlocking Gems,” “we,” “us,” “our,” or the “Ministry”). Our mission is to provide faith-based support to answer the critical need for individuals with high-functioning autism and their families to lead fulfilling, independent, and purpose-driven lives. Our tagline, “From Hidden Treasure To Divine Discovery,” reflects our commitment to helping every individual recognize and develop their unique, God-given gifts.

These Terms and Conditions (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of the Unlocking Gems website (the “Website”), including any subdomains, web portals, online forms, and digital resources, as well as your participation in any of our programs, services, cohorts, or events (collectively, the “Services”).

By accessing our Website, submitting an application, registering for a program, or utilizing any of our Services, you (whether you are a prospective participant, a parent, a legal guardian, a volunteer, or a donor) acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to be bound by these Terms in their entirety. If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not access the Website or participate in our Services.

We reserve the right to modify, amend, or update these Terms at any time at our sole discretion. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated “Last Updated” date. Your continued use of the Website or participation in our Services following the posting of changes constitutes your acceptance of those changes.

2. Definitions

To ensure clarity and mutual understanding, the following terms are defined as follows:

  • “Participant” refers to a high-functioning individual on the autism spectrum who has been accepted into and is actively enrolled in an Unlocking Gems cohort or program.
  • “Guardian” refers to a parent, legal guardian, or authorized caregiver of a Participant, particularly those who are minors or adults requiring supported decision-making.
  • “High-Functioning Autism Spectrum” refers to individuals diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who possess the cognitive and communicative abilities to engage in our specific curriculum, but who require structured support to transition into independent adulthood.
  • “Cohort” refers to a structured group of up to ten (10) Participants who undergo our four (4) month training and development program together.
  • “Services” encompasses all offerings provided by Unlocking Gems, including but not limited to case management, individual and parental coaching, ABA therapy referrals, job search assistance, life skills education, social events, spiritual growth activities, and vocational readiness training.
  • “Website” refers to the official digital presence of Unlocking Gems, Inc., including all web portals, online application forms, and associated digital content.

3. Eligibility And Participation Criteria

Our programs are specifically designed to meet the unique needs of a distinct demographic. To ensure the safety, efficacy, and success of our cohorts, strict eligibility criteria apply:

  1. Diagnosis Requirement: Participation is exclusively reserved for individuals who have been formally diagnosed with High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder.
  2. Age and Life Stage: Our primary target audience includes individuals who are currently exiting high school or have recently exited high school, and who are uncertain about their next steps regarding employment, further education, or independent living.
  3. Physical and Sensory Capabilities: Please note that Unlocking Gems is currently not equipped to provide specialized accommodations or support for individuals with visual impairments or severe physical disabilities that prevent participation in standard group activities. Our facilities and instructional methods are tailored specifically for high-functioning ASD.
  4. Guardian Consent: For Participants under the age of 18, or for adult Participants who require a legal guardian for medical or educational decisions, the signed consent and active involvement of the Guardian is a mandatory prerequisite for enrollment.
  5. Geographic Considerations: While we strive to serve the broader community, our initial assessments and in-person classes are primarily conducted in accessible local settings such as the Participant’s home, a local church setting, or a public library in the Virginia area (including but not limited to Bristow, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach and Portsmouth).

4. Description Of Services And Program Structure

Unlocking Gems provides a holistic, faith-based pilot program designed to foster independence and divine discovery. By enrolling, you acknowledge the nature and scope of the following Services:

  1. Cohort Structure: The core program operates in four (4) month cohorts, limited to ten (10) Participants at a time to ensure personalized attention. If a Participant is not fully ready to transition to independent living or employment by the end of the four months, they may, at our discretion, be moved into the subsequent cohort to continue their development.
  2. Functional & Life Skills Training: Our curriculum includes practical, hands-on training in kitchen and cooking skills (including baking) to build self-sufficiency, financial literacy and money management, and targeted communication and socialization exercises.
  3. Personal Growth & Community Engagement: We facilitate activities designed to improve self-image, including professional-led “makeover” sessions. We also integrate spiritual and cognitive development through scripture-based activities and “thinking” and empowerment exercises. Furthermore, we coordinate community integration through partnerships with local Scouting programs (e.g., Life Trail USA and American Heritage Girls).
  4. Vocational & Specialized Services: We provide employment readiness training, including resume building and interview preparation by the end of the four-month program. We also facilitate referrals to external Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), DNA analyses and therapy providers  (depending on parents’ or guardians’ health insurance) and aptitude tests if needed(subject to the availability of specific funding for such tests).
  5. Future Programs: You acknowledge that certain proposed activities, such as organic farming and planting instruction, are currently classified as “Future Plans” and are contingent upon securing dedicated instructors and partnerships (e.g., Master Gardeners of Chesapeake). We do not guarantee the immediate availability of these specific modules.

5. Application And Enrollment Process

  1. Online Application: Prospective Participants or their Guardians must complete the online application form via our Website portal. This form requires the collection of specific personal information, including but not limited to: full name, age, physical address, phone number, email address, and a detailed statement regarding the reason for application.
  2. Initial Assessment: Following the submission of an application, Unlocking Gems will conduct an initial assessment. This assessment may take place at the client’s home, a church setting, a local library, or via a secure Zoom video conference.
  3. Acceptance and Waitlist: Due to the strict size limit of ten (10) Participants, acceptance into the program is not guaranteed upon application. If a is full, applicants will be placed on a waitlist and notified when a spot becomes available.
  4. Accuracy of Information: You agree to provide true, accurate, current, and complete information during the application process. Providing false or misleading information may result in the immediate denial of your application or termination from the program.

6. Fees And Financial Policies

  1. No Cost to Students: Unlocking Gems is a faith-based ministry and support organization. The core educational, coaching, and life skills services provided directly to the enrolled student/Participant are entirely free of charge.
  2. Third-Party Costs: While our services are free, we may refer Participants to external organizations (e.g., specific ABA therapy clinics, specialized testing facilities, or external vocational programs). Unlocking Gems is not responsible for any fees, costs, or financial obligations incurred through these third-party providers.
  3. Donations: As a ministry, we rely on the generosity of donors, volunteers, and community partners to sustain and expand our programs, including funding for aptitude tests and future farming initiatives. All donations are voluntary and subject to our separate Donation Policy.

7. User Conduct And Code Of Conduct

To maintain a safe, nurturing, and productive environment, all Participants, Guardians, volunteers, and Website users must adhere to a strict Code of Conduct:

Since this is a free program for students, we require the participants and their parents or guardians to sign a promissory note to attend all classes except optional classes like Life Trail USA or American Heritage Girls. Absence of 3 classes, the participant forfeits the program. Each of the 3 absences has to have valid excuses. (ie, sick, emergency).

  1. Respect and Dignity: All individuals must treat staff, volunteers, fellow Participants, and community partners with respect, dignity, and kindness, in alignment with our faith-based values.
  2. Prohibited Behavior: Harassment, bullying, physical aggression, verbal abuse, theft, or the use of illicit substances during any Unlocking Gems activity or on our digital platforms is strictly prohibited and will result in immediate dismissal from the program.
  3. Website Use: Users of our Website and web portal agree not to use the site for any unlawful purpose, to transmit any viruses or malicious code, or to attempt to gain unauthorized access to our systems or the personal data of other users.
  4. Guardian Responsibilities: Guardians are expected to support the Participant’s attendance, reinforce the skills learned during the program at home, and maintain open, respectful communication with Unlocking Gems staff.

8. Privacy And Data Protection

Your privacy is of paramount importance to us. By using our Website and Services, you agree to our data practices as outlined below (and further detailed in our separate Privacy Policy):

  1. Data Collection: We collect personal information (name, contact details, medical/educational background related to ASD) solely for the purpose of assessing eligibility, providing tailored services, and coordinating care.
  2. Confidentiality: All Participant records, assessments, and personal information will be kept strictly confidential. Information will only be shared with third-party service providers (e.g., ABA therapists, vocational counselors) with the explicit, written consent of the Participant or their Guardian.
  3. Data Security: We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical security measures to protect your personal information from unauthorized access, disclosure, or alteration. However, no method of transmission over the Internet is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
  4. Web Portal Usage: The web portal is designed to source candidates, volunteers, and donations, and to announce events. By registering on the portal, you consent to receive communications regarding program updates, events, and ministry news.

9. Intellectual Property Rights

  1. Ownership: All content on the Website, including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, the “Unlocking Gems (God’s Everyday MiracleS)” name, the tagline “From Hidden Treasure To Divine Discovery,” curriculum materials, and software, is the exclusive property of Unlocking Gems, Inc. or its content suppliers and is protected by United States and international copyright, trademark, and intellectual property laws.
  2. Limited License: We grant you a limited, non-exclusive, non-transferable, and revocable license to access and use the Website and its materials solely for personal, non-commercial use related to your participation in or support of our ministry.
  3. Restrictions: You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, create derivative works of, publicly display, or exploit any portion of the Website or our program materials without our prior express written consent.

10. Disclaimers And Limitation Of Liability

PLEASE READ THIS SECTION CAREFULLY. IT LIMITS OUR LEGAL LIABILITY TO YOU.

  1. Not a Medical or Psychological Provider: Unlocking Gems, Inc. is an educational and faith-based support ministry. We are not a medical facility, psychiatric clinic, or licensed healthcare provider. The information, coaching, and support we provide are for educational and developmental purposes only and do not constitute medical, psychiatric, or legal advice. We explicitly do not provide services for the visually impaired or severe cognitive/physical disabilities.
  2. No Guarantee of Outcomes: While we strive to help Participants discover their gifts and achieve independence, we do not guarantee specific outcomes, including but not limited to: securing employment, passing specific aptitude tests, gaining admission to educational institutions, or achieving complete independent living.
  3. Third-Party Referrals: We may refer Participants to external organizations, such as ABA therapy providers or Scouting programs. We do not control, endorse, or guarantee the quality, safety, or outcomes of these third-party services. You assume all risks associated with engaging with third-party providers.
  4. Assumption of Risk: Participation in our life skills activities (including kitchen and cooking classes), community integration events (such as Scouting activities), and future farming initiatives involves inherent risks. By enrolling, Guardians and Participants acknowledge these risks and agree that Unlocking Gems, its staff, and its volunteers shall not be held liable for any accidental injuries, allergies, or incidents that may occur during these activities, provided we have exercised reasonable care.
  5. Limitation of Liability: To the maximum extent permitted by Virginia law, Unlocking Gems, Inc., its directors, officers, employees, volunteers, and agents shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, special, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to your use of the Website, your participation in our programs, or any errors, omissions, or interruptions in our Services.

11. Indemnification

You (and the Guardian, if applicable) agree to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Unlocking Gems, Inc., its affiliates, licensors, and service providers, and its 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 your violation of these Terms, your use of the Website, or your participation in our programs, including any negligent or willful misconduct by you or the Participant.

12. Modifications To Services And Programs

Unlocking Gems reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to modify, suspend, or discontinue any aspect of the Website or the Services at any time without prior notice. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Adjusting the curriculum or activities within the 4-month cohort.
  • Changing the cohort size or the duration of the program based on funding, staffing, or Participant needs.
  • Postponing or canceling specific events (e.g., if a dedicated instructor for the farming program cannot be secured).
  • Altering the locations of assessments or classes (e.g., shifting from in-person to Zoom-based instruction due to unforeseen circumstances).

13. Termination Of Participation

Unlocking Gems reserves the right to suspend or terminate a Participant’s enrollment in the program at any time, at our sole discretion, for reasons including but not limited to:

  1. Violation of the Code of Conduct or these Terms.
  2. Behavior that poses a safety risk to the Participant, other Participants, staff, or volunteers.
  3. Chronic, unexcused absences or lack of Guardian engagement that hinders the Participant’s progress.
  4. Discovery that the Participant does not meet the eligibility criteria (e.g., does not have a high-functioning ASD diagnosis). In the event of termination, we will make reasonable efforts to provide the Guardian with alternative resource referrals, but we are under no obligation to provide a refund of any third-party fees already incurred.

14. Governing Law And Dispute Resolution

  1. Governing Law: These Terms and any disputes or claims arising out of or related to them shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, without giving effect to any choice or conflict of law provision or rule.
  2. Dispute Resolution: In the spirit of our faith-based mission, we strongly encourage the amicable, good-faith resolution of any disputes. In the event of a disagreement, the parties agree to first attempt to resolve the matter through informal negotiation or Christian mediation. If mediation fails, any legal action or proceeding shall be brought exclusively in the state or federal courts located in Prince William County or the surrounding jurisdiction in Virginia, and you hereby consent to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

15. Severability

If any provision of these Terms is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid, illegal, or unenforceable for any reason, such provision shall be eliminated or limited to the minimum extent necessary, and the remaining provisions of the Terms will continue in full force and effect.

16. Waiver

No waiver of any term or condition of these Terms shall be deemed a further or continuing waiver of such term or condition, or a waiver of any other term or condition. Any failure by Unlocking Gems to assert a right or provision under these Terms shall not constitute a waiver of such right or provision.

17. Entire Agreement

These Terms, along with our Privacy Policy and any other legal notices published by us on the Website, constitute the sole and entire agreement between you and Unlocking Gems, Inc. regarding the Website and our Services, and supersede all prior and contemporaneous understandings, agreements, representations, and warranties, both written and oral.

18. Contact Information

We value open communication with our community. If you have any questions, concerns, or require clarification regarding these Terms and Conditions, our programs, or your participation, please contact us using the information below:

Unlocking Gems, Inc.

(God’s Everyday MiracleS)

Mailing Address: 12509 Erroll Lane, Bristow, VA 20136

Phone: 757-576-5017

Email: unlockinggems-vickiepiscopo@gmx.com

By using our Website and Services, you acknowledge that you have read this document, understand its contents, and agree to be legally bound by its terms. Thank you for partnering with us as we journey from Hidden Treasure to Divine Discovery.