News, Notes, and Announcements from 4Cs | | | A Note From Our Chief Executive Officer | |
Dear 4Cs Community,
As we close out another incredible year at 4Cs of Alameda County, December offers a natural moment for reflection, gratitude, and renewal. This year marks a significant milestone for our organization, our 53rd anniversary! Founded in December 1972, 4Cs began with a small but determined group of parents and community advocates who believed every child deserves access to quality early learning and every family deserves the support to thrive. More than five decades later, that mission continues to guide and inspire us.
We have accomplished so much together in 2025, from expanding child care resources and family support programs to strengthening partnerships with early educators and community leaders. Each success is a testament to the dedication of our staff, board, volunteers, and supporters who live out our shared values every day.
Thank you to everyone who contributed to our Giving Tuesday efforts this year! Your generosity helps ensure that local families have the resources they need, especially during the holiday season and as we look to the year ahead. Your continued support, as you choose 4Cs as part of your end-of-year donation giving plans, makes an even greater difference, allowing us to sustain and expand programs that directly impact families and children across Alameda County.
As we celebrate 53 years of service, we carry forward the spirit of our legacy of impact with deep gratitude and renewed commitment. Here’s to another year of growth, partnership, and community building, and to the brighter future we are creating together for all children and families.
Warm wishes for a joyful holiday season and a hopeful start to the new year,
Takija T. Gardner
Chief Executive Officer
4Cs of Alameda County
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Jeanine Harmon
Director of Community Outreach & Service Learning at
Park Day School in Oakland
| | | | “We love knowing that no matter what is happening in the world, families can come and pick out real toys - ones that their children will love - and that it will help make the holidays a little brighter.” | | While many young learners are busy thinking about their own holiday wish lists as the end of the year approaches, first graders at Park Day School in Oakland are focused on how they can make sure kids who may not have any presents at their holiday celebration have something fun to unwrap. With the guidance and support of Jeanine Harmon, these six- and seven-year-olds oversee a school-wide effort to collect hundreds of new toys for 4Cs of Alameda County to distribute to families in need. Beginning in late summer, Jeanine works closely with 4Cs RISE staff to work through logistics of what has become an annual tradition for both the families of Park Day School and 4Cs of Alameda County. This collaboration speaks to the power of community, the creativity and passion of our youngest learners, and the leadership of Jeanine, without whom so many children would not have a new toy – or two – to unwrap this holiday season. To learn more about the incredible students and amazing community at Park Day School, visit Park Day School's instagram account. | | 4Cs Exceeds Giving Tuesday Goal | | |
Thanks to our incredible supporters, and our matching partner at Insperity, 4Cs of Alameda County exceeded our Giving Tuesday fundraising goal, raising $10,420! Every dollar raised will go back into programs and services that uplift Alameda County’s families and child care providers. Your generosity means fuller pantries, diapered little ones, more families partnered with family navigators, and trainings, playgroups, and workshops that help our community members thrive. On behalf of 4Cs clients, staff, and board members, thank you!
| | 3rd Annual Legislative Update and Diaper Distribution a Success | | |
On Thursday, November 20th, 4Cs of Alameda County and Assemblymember Liz Ortega hosted their 3rd Annual Legislative Update and Diaper Distribution. With the support of more than 52 generous event sponsors, and in partnership with SupplyBank.org, Tandem, Partners in Early Learning, and 92 volunteers, the event was an incredible success. Together, more than 700 children received 1,400 cases of diapers, 5,604 packs of wipers, and each child received a beautiful, diverse, brand new children’s book to take home. With the additional funds raised by event sponsors, 4Cs will be able to keep the diaper shelves in our RISE Resource Centers well-stocked and anticipates being about to serve an additional 1,400 children with diapers and wipes. Thank you to all who volunteered, sponsored, and supported this annual community event – your generosity means many families diaper needs are met this holiday season.
| | Thank You Parent Café Participants | | |
On November 14th, our Family Navigator, Lizbeth Gonzalez, hosted an engaging virtual Parent Café in Spanish with eight parents in attendance, supported by three additional staff, Fausto Rubio, Maria Vasquez, and Dora Plazola, who helped facilitate the online session. Together, parents explored the Five Protective Factors: Parental Resilience, Social Connections, Concrete Supports, Knowledge of Parenting and Child Development, and Social & Emotional Competence of Children. Parents shared their experiences, learned practical strategies to strengthen their families, and discussed ways to advocate for themselves and their children.
A parent shares key takeaways from their experience with our Parent Cafe:
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We’re Here for You—For the best experience, we suggest scheduling an appointment ahead of your visit.
At 4Cs, families and child care providers are at the heart of everything we do, and we want to ensure you receive our full attention whenever you visit our office. To help us better serve you, if you hope to meet with a specific member of our team, we kindly encourage you to schedule an appointment before stopping by. This ensures a staff member is available to meet with you upon your arrival, preventing extended waits and making the most of your time. Thank you for partnering with us—we look forward to supporting you every step of the way. Click here for the staff directory.
| | Perinatal Black Fathers' Group | | |
Are you expecting a baby or do you have a baby younger than 2 years old? Join a supportive space designed for Black fathers! Connect, learn, and grow with other Black Dads.
What's in it for you?
• FREE Baby Essentials & Significant Cash Incentives
• Brotherhood & Support
• Fatherhood Info Sessions
• Gain Confidence & Tools to Support Your Partner & Baby
What to expect in the group:
• Understanding Pregnancy & Birth
• Fatherhood & Mental Health
• Bonding with Your Baby
• Navigating Co-Parenting & Relationships
• Financial & Legal Prep for Fatherhood
Group will run for 6 months: Saturday, January 24, 2026 - Saturday, June 27, 2026. To learn more, register for an info session today at http://bit.ly/IntakePBFG or view the flyer here.
| | Featured Events & Trainings | | |
Communicating with Families When Concerns Arise
*Training for Child Care Providers
Friday, January 23 | 7pm-9pm | Virtual
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Childcare providers are often the first to observe differences in a child’s development, behavior, or social–emotional skills. Knowing how to communicate these concerns in a supportive, respectful, and culturally responsive way is essential to building strong partnerships with families.
To register, click here.
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Upcoming
4Cs Events & Trainings
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Food Distribution
January 8 | 1pm-3pm
In-Person at Hayward Garage
Register Here
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Upcoming
Community Events
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Learn more about what is happening from outside organizations within Alameda County.
4calameda.org/community-events
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Child Care Services Specialist
(Family Services)
Full-Time
Hayward Office
| | Give to 4Cs of Alameda County | | Thank you for helping us uplift families, providers, and our community! | | | | |
