News, Notes, and Announcements from 4Cs of Alameda County, March 2026

News, Notes, and Announcements from 4Cs

March 2026

A Note From Our Chief Executive Officer

Dear 4Cs Community,

March is a time for reflection and recognition as we celebrate Women’s History Month and honor the women whose vision, leadership, and everyday acts of care have shaped our communities. Their legacy is visible in the families we serve, the educators who show up every day for children, and the advocates who work tirelessly to advance equity and opportunity.

As we look ahead, we are also preparing for Week of the Young Child in April, a special time each year when we highlight the importance of early learning, play, and strong family–provider partnerships. This week gives us a dedicated space to spotlight the joy, curiosity, and brilliance of young children and to recognize the educators and caregivers who nurture their growth. You can expect a full week of themed activities, resources, and stories that highlight how, together, we help children learn, thrive, and belong.

Thank you for all the ways you champion women’s leadership and stand with young children and their families. Your commitment fuels our mission and strengthens our community every day.

Warmly,

Takija T. Gardner

Chief Executive Officer

Community Spotlight

Lesvia Calderon Martinez

Mother, Grandmother, and Family/Friend/Neighbor (FFN) Provider

"4Cs is the one child care service in the Bay Area that builds a deeper connection with families and providers. 4Cs’ programs fulfill my needs as a provider and fulfill my daughter’s needs as a working parent."

Lesvia’s daughter, a single mother, was already struggling to financially meet the needs for her two children. After hearing the news of a third baby on the way, she knew she needed child care so she could return to work but she couldn’t bear the thought of leaving her children with a stranger. Without hesitation, Lesvia stepped in to help care for her grandchildren and took on additional responsibilities such as school transportation. However, the rising costs of child care and daily expenses are still creating severe financial strain for Lesvia's family.

Lesvia heard about 4Cs of Alameda County through a friend’s recommendation. The support from 4Cs' programs and communications allowed Lesvia to receive child care payment assistance and be eligible for extra benefits, including an $800 voucher to spend on early learning materials, art supplies, and toys, while her daughter was able to find and maintain employment.

4Cs of Alameda County recognizes that Family, Friend, and Neighbor (FFN) providers like Lesvia are critical in the well-being and early education of our community’s young children. If you are a provider in need of local resouces, visit 4calameda.org/child-care-providers.

News

Celebrate Week of the Young Child with 4Cs

From April 11-17, 2026, 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 activities and special giveaways! 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 and help us leverage our $2,750 match challenge thanks to 4Cs leadership! 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.

Save the Date & Sponsorship Opportunity:

4Cs 2026 Children's Fair

4Cs of Alameda County will be hosting its Annual Children’s Fair on Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 22351 City Center Drive in Hayward from 10am to 1pm. The Children’s Fair is a free event for the entire community. There will be children’s activities, entertainment, free lunch and children’s books, community partner booths, and more! We hope to see you there!

Sponsors are needed to make this annual event a success! Interested in being an event sponsor for this annual event attended by 1,500 community members? View sponsorship levels and link to donate here.

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.

Spring Cleaning Time!

Are you looking for a place to donate those too-short, too-tight, outgrown-in-a-blink kids’ clothes that are just taking up space? Bring them to the RISE Family Resource Center in our Oakland or Hayward office and we’ll pass them on to the next family.

At this time, we are happy to accept the following gently-used donations:

• Clothing for babies, toddlers, and children, sizes 3 months through 18 youth

• Shoes for toddlers and children, approx. sizes 8 toddler through 5 youth

At this time, we are not accepting the following used items:

• Adult clothing and shoes

• Socks, underclothing, bibs, or diaper/wipe cloths

• Car seats or booster seats

• Breastfeeding equipment or storage items

• Toys, dolls, or stuffies

• Household items such as sheets, towels, blankets, bottles, decorations, electronics, etc.

Please make sure your donated items are clean with no stains, rips, or holes. Think items you'd be happy to see a friend’s child wear!

Email rise@4c-alameda.org to arrange a drop-off appointment.

Resources

File Taxes with 4Cs VITA by April 10, 2026

The tax filing deadline is approaching! Get your 2025 taxes prepared for FREE through 4Cs of Alameda County's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which ends on April 10, 2026. Our amazing VITA volunteers are professional tax preparers who are happy to serve families and community members in Alameda County. For more information about VITA, visit 4calameda.org/taxhelp.

Below are the important updates and reminders about the services available this year:

1. Drop-Off Service

Clients must make an appointment by completing the form online or emailing vita@4c-alameda.org to drop off their tax documents during the following days and hours:

Days: Wednesday-Friday
Hours: 10am-1pm
Process: Once documents are dropped off, tax returns are prepared virtually and are typically completed within 1-2 business days. Clients will be contacted when their tax return is ready for review and signature.

2. Virtual Service (GetYourRefund)

Clients may choose to complete their tax return fully online. This is a great option for those who prefer flexibility and do not need to visit the site in person.

Website: getyourrefund.org/4cs
Process: Upload tax documents, complete the intake questions, and a certified VITA volunteer will prepare your return remotely.

Featured Events & Trainings

Black Fatherhood Series

*Series is for fathers and father figures who identify as Black with children ages 0-8 and live in Alameda County

April 3-May 8 | 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 5 sessions will receive a $100 Amazon gift card and $100 Golfland 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, Community Services Programs Coordinator, at serenam@4c-alameda.org.

Parent Café: Parent and Child Anger

Thursday, April 16 | 6:30pm-8pm | Virtual

Young children are going through an important period of brain development. During these early years, parents have a valuable opportunity to guide and support positive behavior.

We warmly invite you to engage with 4Cs and fellow parents for our virtual Parent Café. You will be in a supportive space to connect with other parents while understanding how to respond to parent and child anger through different parenting styles and practical strategies.

All participants will receive a gift card as a thank-you for joining! Click here to register for our Parent Café.