Letter from the CEO & Board President
Dear Friend of 4Cs,
Strengthening families and children is at the core of 4Cs of Alameda County’s mission. Every year, we strive to support families, caregivers, and educators with more culturally responsive, high-quality programs and services than we did the previous year. We know that, by understanding the needs of our community, we can step up to the plate and serve clients with what they need where they need it. As you will see from this report, throughout the past year we diversified our programs, served more families, children, child care providers, and community members across all our programs, and made sure that we didn’t just focus on quantity but also quality and impact of our services. We accomplished this all amidst a CEO leadership transition that kept our agency grounded and focused on a prosperous future for 4Cs and the community members we serve.
After 39 years of leadership at 4Cs, CEO Renee S. Herzfeld handed over the reins in mid-2025, marking the beginning of her well-deserved retirement. Renee’s legacy at 4Cs, in Alameda County, and throughout California, was one of collaboration, system change, deep historical knowledge, and strategic thought partnership. She was a mentor, leader, colleague, and friend to many. During her tenure as CEO of 4Cs, the agency flourished as she: Oversaw significant growth in the service delivery area of our Child Care Payment Assistance Programs, developed and implemented 4Cs’ partnership in – and leadership of – Hayward Promise Neighborhoods, created 4Cs’ RISE Resource Centers and programming; and so much more. If you know Renee, you know her favorite day of the year was the Annual Children’s Fair and she ensured that it remained a cornerstone event for 4Cs and 1,000+ community members that attend annually. We are grateful for her leadership in building a strong foundation so that the work at 4Cs can continue to grow and thrive.
As we enter this new chapter for 4Cs of Alameda County, we reflect on the impact we have had on families and children we helped strengthen and look forward to continuing to respond to the needs that lie ahead. With your support, we are confident that we will continue to deliver high-quality, impactful programs and services. Thank you to all who contributed to 4Cs this past year – either in time, talent, or treasure – you, alongside our leadership (old and new), Board of Directors, staff, and those we have the honor to serve, are the reason why 4Cs of Alameda County and our clients continue to thrive.
Takija T. Gardner
Chief Executive Officer
President, Board of Directors
4Cs Team
4Cs Statements & Values
Mission Statement
Community Child Care Council (4Cs) of Alameda County exists to develop and coordinate resources to strengthen families and children.
Vision Statement
By 2029, 4Cs of Alameda County will implement a fully funded and sustainable model resource hub that provides a responsive and innovative system of services that support the well-being of all in collaboration with the communities we serve.
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Commitment Statement
4Cs of Alameda County values and celebrates the diverse perspectives, talents, backgrounds, and cultures in our communities. Through our core values and daily practices, we strive to foster a culture of belonging and equitable treatment among our team members and the families we serve. This is reflected in how we actively create safe, welcoming, and supportive spaces for our employees and clients to thrive. The cornerstone of our work at 4Cs is deeply rooted in being a community-responsive agency. We are committed to uplifting and amplifying the voices of families, children, child care providers, and community members. In collaboration with these community members and partners, we are committed to improving and positively impacting the lives of tomorrow through our programs and services.
Community Services
Community members have access to child care resource and referrals, parenting classes and workshops, family navigation, food, diapers, wipes, clothing, essential needs, books, toys, free tax preparation and filing, and car seat installation checks.
I am eager to express my appreciation for 4Cs and how much I am happy with the services they offer. Thank you so much for the kindness and for the meaningful work you do so well. You guys are wonderful people and very helpful to all by always sharing resources available and informing families with information. I am blessed to know 4Cs exists in the community.” – A Parent, Provider, and Supporter of 4Cs
4Cs staff has always been so friendly and helpful. During a time when we were closely facing food insecurity and money was extremely tight, I felt it was a gift to receive diapers. It didn’t just ease our stress, it also was a promise that there is a community of people out there who want to help those in need. I felt more confident about our future outlook.” – A Parent and 4Cs Diaper Recipient
What an excellent workshop and facilitator! The workshop refreshed my knowledge in the area of child development, especially how we can support their learning and what benefits them most academically.” – Parent Promise Academy Parent
Child Care Payment Assistance Programs
Families are provided child care payment assistance while working or attending school so their children can thrive in a learning environment that best meets the family’s needs.
CAPP
CalWORKs Stage One
CalWORKs Stage 3
CalWORKs Stage 2
Alameda County CAPP
Foster Bridge
Program Name
Agency Financials
Overall Budget
Revenue
Expenses
4Cs Supporters
With gratitude
