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

News, Notes, and Announcements from 4Cs

February 2026

A Note From Our Chief Executive Officer

Dear 4Cs Community,

February is a month of reflection, celebration, and connection. There is so much happening across our community that speaks to who we are and what we value.

First, February marks Black History Month, a time to honor the leadership, creativity, and resilience of Black Americans whose contributions continue to shape our nation and our neighborhoods. At 4Cs, we are committed to advancing equity for Black children, families, and early educators, and to lifting up the voices and stories that too often go unheard. I invite all of us to use this month as an opportunity to learn, reflect, and act in ways that build a more just community.

We also joyfully recognize Lunar New Year, which brings families and communities together in celebration, gratitude, and hope. To everyone who is welcoming the new year, we wish you peace, health, and prosperity. Thank you for the rich cultural traditions you share that make Alameda County such a vibrant place to live and raise children.

February also means the start of the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) season at 4Cs. Each year, our team and volunteers provide free tax preparation support to eligible individuals and families, helping them access important credits and keep more of their hard-earned income. Tax season can be stressful, but you do not have to navigate it alone. Please help us spread the word so more families can benefit from this vital service.

As we move through February, I hope we all take time to celebrate our shared histories, honor the rich cultures in our community, and connect families to resources that strengthen their economic stability and well-being.

With gratitude,

Takija T. Gardner

Chief Executive Officer

Staff Spotlight

Charita Bradshaw

Foster Bridge Family Navigator

"I’m grateful to be part of a program that meets families where they are and helps them move forward. The gratitude families show and the relief they feel when they find support reminds me why this work matters."

Thirteen years ago, Charita was in critical need of child care payment assistance for her one-year-old twins after starting a new job and she found support through 4Cs of Alameda County. 4Cs took care of Charita from the moment she walked through the agency's doors by offering her our child care payment programs, checking her eligibility, and helping her complete applications. After seeing how 4Cs genuinely cares about the children and families they serve, Charita became interested in the work. Seven years later, she joined the 4Cs Team as the Foster Bridge Family Navigator and since then, she has supported foster families living in Southern Alameda County with subsidized child care options and additional resources specific to family need. Charita is truly honored to give back to the same community that was there for her.

Charita is always happy to serve families and share further details about Foster Bridge Family Navigation. If you are interested, visit 4calameda.org/parents-families/navigation.

News

They Grow So Fast!

Thanks to generous donations from friends of 4Cs, 113 families who visited one of our RISE Family Resource Centers in January left with right-size, right-season clothes.

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 wear!

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

Resources

4Cs VITA Site is Open

4Cs of Alameda County is offering free tax preparation and filing services through our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the 2025 tax season until April 9, 2026. This service is available to low to middle-income earners and helps check eligibility for federal and state credits. View the flyer here.

4Cs of Alameda County will offer three options to help file your taxes this year:

1. Drop-Off Service – Make an appointment to drop off your documents by filling out the form at 4calameda.org/taxhelp.

2. Virtual Service – Upload your papers to our safe online secure portal getyourrefund.org/4cs.

3. Walk-In Service – In‑person service at the 4Cs Hayward Office (22351 City Center Dr, Hayward) available by appointment only on Thursdays from 5pm to 8pm until February 26, 2026. Please call (510) 925‑4018 to make an appointment.

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.

Visit 4Cs at the Hayward Public Library Community Hub

The Community Hub is a full-service, one-stop resource center for patrons to access City of Hayward and community partner services. The Community Hub is located at the Downtown Hayward Public Library, on the 2nd floor, by the Tech Lab. Anyone can use these services. No appointment required. Walk-ins welcome!

4Cs of Alameda County will provide enrollment in parent workshops, toddler playgroups, and family navigation to the Hayward community. Families can receive child care referrals and information on payment assistance. Starting February 25, 2026, visit 4Cs on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month from 11am to 2pm.

Find more information about the Community Hub here.

Featured Events & Trainings

Child Car Seat Safety Event

Saturday, February 28 | 9:30am-12pm

In-Person at Hayward Office (22351 City Center Drive)

In partnership with SafeKids Alameda County and Alameda County EMS, 4Cs of Alameda County is hosting a hands-on, informative event to ensure your precious cargo is riding as safely as possible. Get expert advice on car seat safety installation assistance from certified professionals.

APPOINTMENTS ARE REQUIRED AND WE ONLY HAVE A FEW SPOTS LEFT! Hurry and register by calling (510) 618-2050.