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January, 2019 - In This Issue:
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From the Desk of Our Executive Director
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News these days is admittedly difficult to listen to. There is so much negativity in the daily news cycle, it is hard to absorb it all. Especially disconcerting is the impact that the decisions in Washington DC are having on our community here at home - especially the fallout from the federal shutdown. The people who are affected by these decisions are our own families, friends, neighbors, clients, and community members. The stories I've heard from families who are not receiving paychecks because of the government shutdown are especially heart-wrenching. Through all of this, there are those partners who are stepping up to keep folks impacted informed and providing tangible help. Be sure to follow 4Cs of Alameda County on
Facebook to stay up-to-date on resources your family, or those you know who are affected by the shutdown, can use during this time of uncertainty.
While the national news can be overwhelming, closer to home news about Governor Newsom's proposed state budget is a refreshing reprieve. The governor campaigned on the promise of supporting early care and education and families and his proposed budget includes significant investments in programs that benefit children and families. You can read a summery of the Governor's budget proposal for education
here and a response to the budget from our colleagues at the Child Care Law Center
here. We hope that this commitment to early care and education continues as we usher in a new year and new legislators.
Be well,
Renee S. Herzfeld
Executive Director
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4Cs' VITA Site Opens January 31st
Free tax preparation and assistance for individuals and families
Next week, 4Cs' Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site opens for tax season. Our tax professionals are here to prepare and file your taxes for free while keeping you informed of the most recent changes to tax law. Two announcements that may be relevant to you as tax season approaches include:
- Changes in the tax law this year could increase your refund. For families, the new Child Tax Credit is now $2000, an increase of $1000 from last year. This increase could mean larger refunds for families with qualifying children.
Want to learn more and have your taxes completed and filed for free? 4Cs' VITA Site is ready to help families or individuals making up to $55,000 annually with tax returns. 4Cs' VITA site opens on January 31, 2019 and runs through April 11, 2019 on Thursday evenings from 5pm-8:30pm. Our VITA site staff and volunteers are excited and geared up to help you prepare and file your taxes for FREE.
If Thursday nights don't work for your busy schedule, 4Cs' main Hayward office has drop-off tax preparation services Monday through Thursday from 10am to 4pm and Fridays from 9am to 12pm. Bring in your tax documents and identification and we will prepare and file your taxes for free in 5 business days. For more information and to be sure you're prepared with all documentation needed, visit the 4Cs VITA Tax Site Information Page.
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Important News for CalFresh
Recipients
TIMELY Update for Participants
Because of the federal government shutdown, February CalFresh benefits for most participants will be issued early, between January 16-20. If you receive your February CalFresh benefits early, you should plan your food budget knowing that these benefits will be the only benefits provided through the end of February. If you receive CalFresh and have a report due in January, please complete that process as soon as possible as approved benefits are scheduled to be issued February 1-10. New applications continue to be accepted and processed, and expedited services are available, as usual. The electronic bank transfer (EBT) system continues to be operational. Unless the federal shutdown is resolved, benefits for March MAY NOT be available. We are waiting for federal guidance and will keep you informed.
4Cs is continuing to enroll and renew families for CalFresh services, please contact us at (510) 582-8182 to speak to a CalFresh coordinator.
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County Offers Free Green Child Care Program for Providers
Serving Family Child Care and Centers throughout Alameda County
The Green Child Care Program, offered by Alameda County's Early Care and Education  Program, provides several free services for child care centers and family homes across the county. In an effort to reduce waste and improve environmental health, the Program offers teacher trainings, and children lessons centered around the 4R curriculum (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Rot)
. Technical assistance on other green initiatives, such as green cleaning, green purchasing, and pest management is also provided. In addition, waste evaluations and assessments are offered to determine how much of the waste produced at a child care site can be diverted away from the landfill.
There are environmental, educational, and economical benefits associated with the Green Child Care Program. It reduces waste at a landfill, teaches children environmental stewardship, and has the potential to reduce a provider's waste hauling bill. The Program welcomes both new sites, as well as sites that have participated previously. Contact Kathryn Cunningham, the Green Child Care Coordinator, for more information at Kathryn.Cunningham@acgov.org or (510) 208-9698 or view the Green Child Care Program flier here.
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4Cs is Hiring
Career Opportunities at 4Cs
Join our team of dedicated, energetic, and caring professionals. Click
here to find out why 4Cs was recognized by the NonProfit Times as a "
2017 Best Nonprofits to Work." More opportunities at 4Cs are coming soon! Check our "
Career Opportunities at 4Cs" webpage to stay up-to-date on available job openings.
Full-Time
Part-Time
Consultant
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Register Now for Upcoming Trainings at 4Cs
Training Opportunities Available
2/2/19, 8:30am-4pm
Salud Preventiva
2/16/19, 9am-5pm
2/23/19, 9am-5pm
View the entire Trainings Calendar
HERE
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STAY CONNECTED
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