October, 2016 - In This Issue:
From the Desk of Our Executive Director
Leaves are turning from bright green to crimson red, scarves and hats have come out from the closet depths, and umbrellas and rainboots are ready for their debut. Fall is in full swing and so are changes in weather and wardrobe that we anticipate all year. In the blink of an eye, here we are again with the holidays around the corner. How fast time moves! It feels like yesterday that my two girls, now full-fledged teenagers, were taking their first steps and proudly learning to write their ABCs and 123s. More than a decade later, and we are embracing the change that is eminent: college for my eldest. Every month is full of college applications, tours, financial aid planning, and decisions that will impact her for a lifetime. While bittersweet, our family is excited for this next step, grateful for the academic foundation she has had - from preschool to high school - and embracing this new chapter. As the seasons change for your family, know that 4Cs is grateful to be a part of your family's journey: from finding the right preschool for your little one to helping them complete their taxes as they traverse life after high school, we are privileged to walk alongside you as the years come and go.

Be Well,

Renee S. Herzfeld  
Background Checks for In-Home Caregivers
TrustLine Essential for Safety of Children   

If you are like many parents in Alameda County, you "patchwork" together your child care. Whether your child spends different days of the week before or after school with varying friends and family members, or attends child care or preschool daily with an occasional night with a babysitter, we rely on our friends, families, child care providers, and nannies to watch over our little ones when we are not able to. With the holidays approaching, school breaks, and differing schedules, our children are in the care of others more than usual. It is at this time that we need to be more diligent than ever to make sure that our children are in the care of someone we can trust - this is where TrustLine is invaluable. TrustLine, "the only authorized screening program of in-home caregivers in the state with access to fingerprint records at the California Department of Justice and the FBI" is the most thorough background check for anyone caring for children. As a parent, you can check a child care provider's background for free! Visit http://trustline.org/ for all of the information about TrustLine and to make sure your family is safe.
4Cs Seeking Auction Donations
40 Days Until 4Cs Annual #GivingTuesday Online Auction Fundraiser  

On Tuesday, November 29th, in partnership with #GivingTuesday - The National Day of Giving - 4Cs of Alameda County will kick-off a one-week-long online online auction to raise money to support the programs and services for families and children in our community. We need your help! We are seeking donations for the online auction, popular items include:
  • Gift cards to restaurants
  • Photography packages
  • Sporting event tickets and memorabilia
  • Spa, massage, and salon gift certificates
  • Vacation vouchers (time shares, hotel stays, airfare) Handmade quilts and children's outfits
  • Concert and event tickets
  • Child Care/Babysitting hours
  • Home Cleaning Service
We ask that all items be delivered or sent to 4Cs by November 16th - please contact Katie at 4Cs at [email protected] or at (510) 584-3130 for more information. The online auction will be live at 8am November 29th and close on December 5th.  All donations are tax deductible.

Thank you for supporting 4Cs with your donation!
Free Tax Preparation and Filing
VITA Season Just Around the Corner

Taxes are hard, we make it easy! Our volunteers are excited and Ready to help you with your 2016 Tax Return. 4Cs VITA Tax Site opens on January 27th at 5pm, and will be open every Thursday evening until April 15th. We also have drop off tax preparation services Monday - Friday 10am -4pm. Get your forms and papers together now, see below for a complete list. 
Please Note for ALL RETURNING AND NEW CLIENTS: You must bring all documents listed below.  We have a new tax software system this year that ALL information will need to be re-entered.
Bring your:
  • Social Security Card or ITIN for each person on your tax return
  • Photo ID for each person on your tax return
  • W-2s from all jobs held in 2016
  • All 1099s, 1098s and any other tax forms
  • Savings and checking account and routing numbers for direct deposit
  • Last year's tax return
  • Child care provider information
  • Landlord's name, address and phone number for CA renter's credit
  • Your household's health coverage information (1095-A, B or C)

Find out more information here

 

Register Now for Fall Trainings at 4Cs
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