News, Notes, and Announcements from 4Cs of Alameda County, February 2025

News, Notes, and Announcements from 4Cs

February 2025

A Note From Our Chief Executive Officer

Dear Friend of 4Cs,

With every season there is inevitable change and after 38 years serving the community at 4Cs of Alameda County, and 19 years as CEO, it is time for me to embrace the next season of my life. I have decided to retire from 4Cs of Alameda County in June, 2025. Serving the community has been deeply rewarding and I would not trade anything for the journey. Working with you - our neighbors, supporters, clients, and friends – and watching you and the children we collectively serve thrive has been the highlight of my career. Rest assured that the agency has strong leadership and is well-positioned to continue this good work. To learn more about my transition and find information on the position please visit 4calameda.org/about/ceo-transition.

Thank you for being part of this season and I look forward to navigating this transition together.

Be well,

Renee S. Herzfeld

Chief Executive Officer

Community Spotlight

Yessenia Lara Mendez

4Cs of Alameda County's College Intern

"Working with 4Cs has been such a meaningful part of my life by opening up new learning experiences for me. What I love most is building bonds with parents and children and seeing how my efforts help create an environment that encourages learning, growth, and community support."

Yessenia Lara Mendez's journey as a college intern at 4Cs of Alameda County started in October of last year. She was interested to get involved in early childhood development and found the internship opportunity through the College Corps Program. Yessenia assists 4Cs of Alameda County's Resource & Referral Department with community support and early education. She positively contributes to our RISE Team by organizing the essential supplies, such as diapers and clothing, at their Resource Center and preparing and distributing food at their monthly food distributions. In addition, she offers tremendous help to our HPN Team by facilitating guided activities for their Play & Learn playgroups.

4Cs of Alameda County is honored to provide Yessenia hands-on experience and we appreciate her time, effort, and passion in serving local families in need through our programs and services.

Children's Fair News

Become a Sponsor

Are you looking for a way to get your name in front of 1,500 community members? Want to support 4Cs legacy event? We are inviting you to be a sponsor of this year’s Children’s Fair! View our Children’s Fair Sponsor Flyer (PDF) for the levels of sponsorship and the recognition you receive at each level. Your donation is tax deductible! Please visit give.classy.org/2025ChildrensFairSponsor to make your sponsorship payment.

Sponsorships due by March 17, 2025!

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Katie by phone at (510) 736-0073 or by email at katieh@4c-alameda.org. Thank you in advance for your generous support of our community’s children and families!

Participate as a Community Partner

We are welcoming local nonprofit or social services organizations to table at our 2025 Children’s Fair. Due to space-constraints, no for-profit businesses can be accommodated at this time.

If your organization is interested in hosting a table at our event, please complete the interest form at 4calameda.org/2025CFCommPartner by Friday, March 7, 2025. Feel free to contact Ariana Ortiz at arianao@4c-alameda.org if you have any questions.

Resources

Free Tax Preparation and Filing

4Cs of Alameda County is offering free tax preparation and filing services through our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the 2024 tax season until April 10, 2025. This service is available to low to middle-income earners and helps check eligibility for federal and state credits.

4Cs of Alameda County is offering two ways to help with your taxes this year:

• Drop-Off Service – Make an appointment to drop off your documents by calling our VITA Site Coordinator, Alicia Broussard, at (510) 925-4018.

• Virtual Service – Upload your tax documents to our safe online secure portal at getyourrefund.org/4cs.

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.

Spanish Support Group for Family, Friends and Neighbors (FFN) Caregivers

The Spanish FFN support group is an opportunity for caregivers of young children 0-5 years old to connect, explore child development topics, and how to support children’s learning and growth.

Virtual meetings are every 4^th Thursday of the month starting February 27, from 6pm-7pm.

For more information and registration, contact Cindy Martinez-Roberts, M.A. at cmtzroberts@gmail.com.

Featured Events & Trainings

Strength in Connection - Thriving Through Stress, Adversity, and Trauma

*SERIES IN SPANISH

March 5-March 26

Wednesday Nights

6pm-7:30pm | Virtual

You are invited to a FREE Spanish online Strength in Connection parent engagement workshops! This 4-part series will support participants' ability to create, support, and maintain safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments for all children, especially children in and out of formal learning environments. The final session will be held in person to celebrate the completion of the series!

All registered participants will receive a $50 gift card for completion of the series along with children's books!

Spaces limited. Register now: 4calameda.org/series/strength-in-connection

Fuerza en la conexión - Prosperar a través del estrés, la adversidad y el trauma

*SERIE EN ESPAÑOL

5 de marzo al 26 de marzo

Miércoles por la noche

6pm-7:30pm | Virtual

¡Está invitado a un taller de padres en línea GRATUITO en español de fuerza en la conexión! Esta serie de 4 partes apoyará la capacidad de los participantes para crear, apoyar y mantener relaciones y entornos seguros, estables y enriquecedores para todos los niños, especialmente los niños dentro y fuera de los entornos de aprendizaje formal. ¡La sesión final se llevará a cabo en persona para celebrar la finalización de la serie!

¡Todos los participantes registrados recibirán una tarjeta de regalo de $50 para la finalización de la serie junto con libros infantiles!

Espacios limitados. Regístrese ahora: 4calameda.org/series/strength-in-connection

Dad and Me Father Playgroup

March 8, 15, and 22

Saturdays | 10:30am-12pm

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

Papá y Yo Grupo de Juego para Papás

08, 15 y 22 de marzo

Sábados | 10:30am-12pm

En persona en la oficina de Hayward

(22351 City Center Drive)

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 ages 2 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.

¡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 2 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.

Regístrese aquí.