News, Notes, and Announcements from 4Cs of Alameda County, March 2025

News, Notes, and Announcements from 4Cs

March 2025

A Note From Our Chief Executive Officer

Dear Friend of 4Cs,

Imagine for a moment the span of time that is 5,096,238 hours or 6,984 months or 582 years. That equates to almost 6 centuries! I know this is more time than many of us can wrap our heads around. These numbers represent the amount of hours that 4Cs of Alameda County reimbursed in child care payments last year. Our child care support staff assisted the families of almost 3,500 children during this same time in paying for care with the child care providers they chose as the best fit for their child’s learning and growth. At the same time, we partnered with thousands of child care providers – centers, family child care homes, before-and-after school programs, and family, friends, and neighbors - to make sure they receive timely payments for the care and education they provide to these young learners. Even though this quantity of subsidized child care hours seem high, there is still a deep need in the county and we are constantly, and currently, enrolling new families in Oakland and Southern Alameda County every day who need assistance in paying their child care expenses. The staff of 4Cs of Alameda County work tirelessly to serve every family we can and advocate for funding to serve even more. If you are struggling to cover the cost of care for your children, please give us a call or see more detailed information in the article below, because, while the need is great, our mission to serve you is even greater.

Be well,

Renee S. Herzfeld

Chief Executive Officer

Community Spotlight

Sonia Barajas

Parent, Grandparent, Donor, and Supporter of

4Cs of Alameda County

"4Cs has made a difference for my family by offering the tools we needed! They taught us how to be consistent with care and make the right choices through great communication. My family is very grateful for 4Cs and we have been very happy with all the staff members and what they have provided for my family for so many years!"

When Sonia first came to 4Cs of Alameda County, she needed assistance in paying for child care for her two young daughters. With the help of 4Cs' Child Care Payment Program, she was able to provide for her children and focus on their needs. As Sonia's adult children became parents themselves, Sonia took an active role in helping care for her granddaughter by spending quality time together, engaging in shared activities, and building a stronger bond at 4Cs of Alameda County's Family, Friend and Neighbor (FFN) Play & Learn Playgroup sessions. Not only is Sonia a wonderful mother and grandmother, but also a generous donor! She continues to stay involved with 4Cs of Alameda County by donating clothes to our RISE Resource Center and giving back to our community.

4Cs of Alameda County is happy to support Sonia and her family with their journey towards growth and we are beyond grateful that they stay connected with 4Cs!

If you like to donate physical items or become a champion for RISE at 4Cs, please contact our RISE Team at rise@4c-alameda.org or (510) 244-1173 to coordinate.

News

Save the Date for 2025 Children's Fair

4Cs of Alameda County will be hosting its Annual Children’s Fair on Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 22351 City Center Drive in Hayward from 10am to 1pm. The Children’s Fair is a free event for the community. There will be children’s activities, entertainment, and important social services information for parents and caregivers specific to Alameda County. We hope to see you there!

You can find more event information, including our Save the Date flyer, and future updates on our Children's Fair webpage at 4calameda.org/childrensfair.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsors:

Celebrate Week of the Young Child with 4Cs

From April 5-11, 2025, we are excited to offer a special opportunity for our community members and supporters to join us as we celebrate the Week of the Young Child. 4Cs has a fun-filled week lined up celebrating children and families – including story time, activities, and a special giveaway! For those that want to support 4Cs on a deeper level, the week also provides an opportunity for supporters to either give directly or create a giving page to raise funds for our programs and services. We encourage you to share with your families, friends, and networks how they can join you in supporting 4Cs of Alameda County and participate throughout the week in WOYC activities. You can find all the information about Week of the Young Child activities at 4calameda.org/woyc and follow along on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Resources

Enroll in 4Cs' Child Care Payment Assistance Program

Do you need assistance - or know of anyone who needs assistance - paying for child care? 4Cs is currently enrolling families living in Oakland, San Leandro, San Lorenzo, Hayward, Castro Valley, Newark, Union City, or Fremont in our child care payment assistance programs! You as the parent or guardian, may qualify for assistance if you meet any of the following criteria:

• Receive cash aid

• Received cash aid in the past 24 months and need child care for work, seeking employment, seeking housing, experiencing homelessness, training, incapacity, or CPS/At-Risk.

• Have low to moderate income and need child care in order to work, are seeking employment or seeking housing, experiencing homelessness, receiving job training, incapacitated, or are involved with CPS/At-Risk.

Parents or guardians may call (510) 582-2182 or visit 4calameda.org/parents-families/child-care-payment-assistance for further information.

File Taxes with 4Cs VITA by April 10, 2025

As the tax filing deadline is approaching, now is the perfect time to get your 2024 taxes prepared! 4Cs of Alameda County is offering free tax preparation and filing services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the 2024 tax season until April 10, 2025. This service is available to low to middle-income earners and helps check eligibility for federal and state credits.

4Cs of Alameda County is offering two ways to help with your taxes this year:

• Drop-Off Service – Make an appointment to drop off your documents by calling our VITA Site Coordinator, Alicia Broussard, at (510) 925-4018.

• Virtual Service – Upload your tax documents to our safe online secure portal at getyourrefund.org/4cs.

To learn more about VITA, please visit 4calameda.org/taxhelp or contact Alicia Broussard, VITA Coordinator, at vita@4c-alameda.org or (510) 925-4018.

Don't let procrastination cost you—act now to ensure a smooth, stress-free filing experience!

Featured Events & Trainings

Black Fatherhood Series

*Series for fathers and father figures who identify as Black with children ages 0-8

April 4-May 9 | Fridays | 6pm-7:30pm

5 Virtual Sessions & 1 In-Person Celebration at Hayward Office

4Cs is excited to partner with Dr. Khalid White, CEO of BLKMPWR, Father, Author and Film Maker for our Black Fatherhood series! The series consists of six weekly sessions: five virtual sessions and a final in-person celebration at 4Cs of Alameda County's Hayward Office (22351 City Center Drive, Hayward, CA 94541). Each session will provide a safe and supportive space to connect, learn, and grow alongside other dads.

All registered participants who complete a minimum of 4 sessions will receive a $100 gift card for the completion of the series along with a children’s book! If you are interested in the series, please register online at 4calameda.org/series/black-fatherhood-series.

For more information and questions, email Serena Michel, Family Programs Coordinator, at serenam@4c-alameda.org.