CODE OF ETHICS

ARTICLE I — PURPOSE AND ETHICAL FOUNDATION

The purpose of this Code of Ethics is to establish clear standards of ethical conduct for all individuals acting on behalf of Dekalb Public Services Corporation (“the Corporation”). This Code exists to protect the integrity, credibility, and public trust of the Corporation and to ensure that all actions taken in its name are consistent with its charitable mission, governing documents, and applicable law.

Dekalb Public Services Corporation operates for charitable and educational purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Corporation recognizes that ethical conduct is fundamental to its ability to serve communities, steward resources responsibly, and maintain compliance with legal and fiduciary obligations.

This Code of Ethics complements, but does not replace, the Corporation’s Bylaws, Conflict of Interest Policy, financial control policies, and all other governance documents. In the event of a conflict, the Corporation’s Bylaws and applicable law shall govern.

ARTICLE II — PERSONS COVERED BY THIS CODE

This Code of Ethics applies to all individuals acting on behalf of the Corporation, including but not limited to:

All individuals covered by this Code (“Covered Individuals”) are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that upholds the Corporation’s mission, values, and public responsibility.

ARTICLE III — CORE ETHICAL PRINCIPLES

All Covered Individuals shall adhere to the following core ethical principles:

Integrity

Act honestly, truthfully, and in good faith in all organizational matters.

Accountability

Accept responsibility for decisions, actions, and use of organizational resources.

Transparency

Ensure openness in governance, financial stewardship, and program operations as required by law and policy.

Respect and Dignity

Treat all individuals served, partnered with, or employed by the Corporation with fairness, professionalism, and respect.

Mission-Centered Conduct

Place the Corporation’s charitable purpose above personal, financial, or external interests.

ARTICLE IV — COMPLIANCE WITH LAW AND GOVERNING DOCUMENTS

Covered Individuals shall comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and reporting requirements, including those governing nonprofit organizations.

Covered Individuals shall also comply fully with:

The Corporation’s Bylaws

Conflict of Interest Policy

Financial control and fiscal policies

Non-discrimination standards

Confidentiality requirements

Ignorance of legal or policy requirements shall not excuse unethical conduct. Covered Individuals are expected to seek clarification when unsure of their obligations.

ARTICLE V — FIDUCIARY DUTIES AND STEWARDSHIP

Directors and officers owe fiduciary duties of care, loyalty, and obedience to the Corporation.

Covered Individuals shall:

Act in the best interests of the Corporation at all times

Exercise reasonable care and informed judgment

Avoid actions that could harm the Corporation’s reputation, finances, or mission

Use organizational assets solely for authorized, mission-aligned purposes

No individual shall use their position for personal gain, preferential treatment, or improper advantage.

ARTICLE VI — CONFLICTS OF INTEREST AND IMPARTIALITY

Covered Individuals must avoid situations where personal, financial, or family interests interfere with their ability to act objectively on behalf of the Corporation.

All actual or potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed in accordance with the Corporation’s Conflict of Interest Policy.

Individuals with a conflict shall:

Fully disclose the conflict

Refrain from participating in related discussions and decisions

Comply with all recusal and documentation requirements

Failure to disclose a conflict constitutes a serious ethical violation.

ARTICLE VII — CONFIDENTIALITY AND DATA PROTECTION

Covered Individuals shall protect confidential and sensitive information entrusted to the Corporation, including but not limited to:

Client and beneficiary information

Financial records

Personnel records

Donor and partner information

Internal deliberations and Board materials

Confidential information may be accessed or disclosed only when authorized and necessary for legitimate organizational purposes or required by law.

The obligation to maintain confidentiality continues even after an individual’s relationship with the Corporation ends.

ARTICLE VIII — NON-DISCRIMINATION AND PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

The Corporation is committed to providing services and maintaining an organizational environment free from discrimination.

Covered Individuals shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, immigration status, disability, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

All interactions with clients, community members, colleagues, and partners shall be conducted professionally and without harassment, intimidation, or exploitation.

ARTICLE IX — USE OF CORPORATE RESOURCES

Corporate funds, property, information systems, and resources shall be used solely for legitimate organizational purposes.

Covered Individuals shall not:

Misuse or misappropriate funds

Use assets for personal or political purposes

Engage in unauthorized financial commitments

Falsify records or documentation

All financial transactions must comply with approved budgets, authorization requirements, and internal controls.

ARTICLE X — REPORTING ETHICAL CONCERNS

Covered Individuals have an ethical obligation to report suspected violations of this Code, the Bylaws, or applicable law.

Reports may be made to:

The Board of Directors

An Officer of the Corporation

An authorized ethics or compliance designee

The Corporation shall not tolerate retaliation against individuals who report concerns in good faith.

ARTICLE XI — ENFORCEMENT AND DISCIPLINARY ACTION

Violations of this Code may result in disciplinary action, including but not limited to:

Warnings or corrective action

Removal from office or position

Termination of employment or volunteer service

Repayment of improperly received benefits

Legal action where appropriate

Enforcement decisions shall be made with fairness, due process, and consistency.

ARTICLE XII — ANNUAL ACKNOWLEDGMENT

All Directors and Officers shall annually acknowledge in writing that they:

Have read and understand this Code of Ethics

Agree to comply with its provisions

Have disclosed any required conflicts

Failure to provide acknowledgment may result in removal from office or restriction of duties.

ARTICLE XIII — ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT

This Code of Ethics is adopted by resolution of the Board of Directors of Dekalb Public Services Corporation and remains in effect until amended or repealed by Board action.