News, Notes, and Announcements from 4Cs of Alameda County, March 2024

News, Notes, and Announcements from 4Cs

March 2024

A Note From Our Chief Executive Officer

Dear friend of 4Cs,

In March we celebrate Women’s History Month and recognize the strong women who paved the way for equitable access to quality early care and education in the child care field, in the social services space, and beyond. We also recognize women who are still spearheading the fight for these same causes many decades later. As I enter my 38^th year at 4Cs of Alameda County – and in the ECE field – I have witnessed the grit, passion, and determination of hundreds of women who have joined me on the front lines of advocating for increased child care and family supports. From the halls of the White House, to Sacramento, to meeting with our local elected officials, know that there are many women who are still at the helm of seeking better policies and funding and putting the needs of children and families first. Thank you to the women who have led the charge and to those who still are on the front lines – from child care providers and parents to advocates and those making policies at the highest levels of government – I appreciate you this Women’s History Month and every month.

Be well,

Renee S. Herzfeld

Chief Executive Officer

Community Spotlight

Dr. Khalid White

Educator, Author, and Black Fatherhood Series Facilitator

“The Black Fatherhood Group exists because fathers and father figures have verbalized their need for support. Fortunately, groups like the Alameda County Fathers Corps and 4Cs of Alameda County answered the calls to support them… my hat is off to both organizations [and especially to] 4Cs who are primarily led by women, recognizes the importance of providing support for the men and families in Alameda County.”

As a father of two, husband, and facilitator of 4Cs Black Fatherhood Series, Dr. White understands on a deep, personal level how important connecting and uplifting Black fathers and father figures is. As the facilitator, he is proud to be part of the creation and implementation of the Black Fatherhood Series group and partnership. He is honored to lead a group that provides a space of support, positivity, and resource-sharing that is strength-based for the Black fathers and father-figures who participate. The reciprocal fulfillment he, the participants, and their families receive from group participation is empowering for all. He is excited to welcome Black fathers and father-figures for the next Black Fatherhood Series beginning in May (register here). You can find more information about Dr. White and his work on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and on his website.

News

Save the Date: 2024 Children's Fair

4Cs of Alameda County will be hosting its Annual Children’s Fair on Saturday, May 18, 2024 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 all Children's Fair updates on our webpage at 4calameda.org/childrensfair.

Thank you to our presenting sponsors:

Supervisor Elisa Márquez

The Primary School

Celebrate Week of the Young Child with 4Cs

From April 6-12, 2024, we are excited to offer a special opportunity for all 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 early learning, young children, teachers, families, and communities – including a special giveaway thanks to our friends at the Oakland Museum of California! 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.

Books Go Everywhere!

The RISE Program at 4Cs is running a literacy program called “Books Go Everywhere!” this spring for families in our Oakland and Hayward monthly diaper programs. Thanks to a grant from the Oakland Literacy Coalition and Oakland Public Library’s Dimond Branch, children in our Oakland program are receiving books, small backpacks, and information regarding library cards and services. Funding from Sunlight Giving is allowing us to provide books and backpacks to children in our Hayward program. We were also treated to a visit this month from Curbie, Hayward Public Library’s curbside library, with coloring pages and information regarding library cards and programs.

Author Tomie dePaola said, “Reading is important because if you can read, you can learn anything about everything and everything about anything.” We agree completely. Whether it’s to the park, in the car, in a stroller, at a restaurant, or in your own bed, books go everywhere!

Resources

File Your Taxes Before the April Deadline

Tax Day, the last day to file your taxes, is April 15, 2024! 4Cs of Alameda County makes filing taxes easy through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program by providing free tax preparation and filing services for families and community members living in Alameda County.

Upload your tax documents to our safe online secure portal at getyourrefu nd.org/4cs. Our virtual service is available until April 10, 2024. If you want to drop off your tax documents to us, you must schedule an appointment by calling our VITA Site Coordinator, Alicia Broussard, at (510) 925-4018. Our drop-off service is available until March 26, 2024.

Visit 4calameda.org/taxhelp to learn more about about our VITA program. You can download our VITA Flyer (PDF) here.

Featured Events

Dad and Me Father Playgroup

March 30 & April 6

Saturdays | 10:30am-12pm

In-Person at Hayward Office

*In English and Spanish

Papá y Yo Grupo de

Juego para Papás

30 de Marzo y 6 de Abril

Sábados | 10:30am-12pm

En persona en la oficina de Hayward

*En inglés y español

You are invited to our upcoming bilingual Dad & Me Father Playgroup! Join us for a fun morning of activity and play! This event is reserved exclusively for fathers and father figures, along with their children aged 18 months to 4 years old, who reside in Alameda County. It's a wonderful opportunity for dads to connect, share experiences, and engage in fun activities with their little ones. View the flyer here.

For information on eligibility please contact [email protected].

¡Estás invitado a nuestro próximo grupo de juego bilingüe Papá y Yo! ¡Únase a nosotros para una mañana divertida de actividad y juego! Este evento está reservado exclusivamente para padres y figuras paternas, junto con sus hijos de 18 meses a 4 años de edad, que residan en el condado de Alameda. Es una oportunidad maravillosa para que los papás se conecten, compartan experiencias y participen en actividades divertidas con sus pequeños. Ver folleto aquí .

Regístrese a 4calameda.org/series/dad-and-me-father-playgroup-2.

Para obtener información sobre la elegibilidad, comuníquese con [email protected].

THRIVE! Parenting Series with Coach Diedre

April 17-May 8 | Wednesday Evenings | 7pm-8:30pm

Virtual

Registration is open for the Spring session of THRIVE! This free 4-part parenting series will give you tips, tools, and activities to strengthen your relationship with your child and promote self-care for the whole family. We will cover topics of financial literacy, time management, self-care, positive self-talk and tips to pursuing your dreams. FREE one-on-one coaching from Coach Diedre for all participants. Gift card drawings at every session!