Frequent Asked Questions
FAQ
General & About 4th Second
What is 4th Second?
4th Second is a Vallejo-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to driving systemic change through direct services, community partnerships, and sustainable resource creation. We address root causes of inequality by providing healthcare, housing, youth empowerment, and food security programs.
Where does the name "4th Second" come from?
If Earth’s 4.5 billion years of existence were scaled down to a single 24-hour day, human history would only take up the last 3 seconds. Our name asks a central question: How will we shape our 4th Second? It reflects our commitment to creating long-term, sustainable impact for future generations.
Who does 4th Second serve?
Our programs serve youth, unhoused community members, justice-impacted individuals, foster youth, low-income families, and any Vallejo residents needing access to care, housing, or food resources.
FAQ
Care Management & Medical Services
What is Enhanced Care Management (ECM)?
Enhanced Care Management is a whole-person care coordination service provided through Medi-Cal. We assign dedicated Care Managers to help individuals navigate health systems, schedule medical and dental appointments, arrange free transportation, and secure community resources.
What healthcare services does the Medical team offer?
Our clinical team provides street medicine, wound care, basic vaccinations, women’s health services, Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) for substance use, Narcan distribution, and first aid supplies.
How do I refer myself or someone else to care services?
You can request support or refer a neighbor by calling our care operations team, filling out our online appointment request form, or visiting our drop-in offices in person.
FAQ
Youth Programs & Safe Spaces
What youth centers does 4th Second operate?
We operate youth-designed spaces including the Georgia Youth Center and the Tuolumne Youth Center. These centers offer safe environments, peer mentorship, mental health support, and media workshops.
Are youth programs free, and are stipends provided?
Yes! Our youth programs are completely free. Select leadership, media, workforce development, and entrepreneurship tracks offer stipends to participating youth.
How are young people involved in designing programs?
We follow authentic youth leadership models (such as Youth-Led and Youth Partner models). Youth co-design center layouts, build media campaigns, manage garden projects, and participate on organizational advisory committees.
FAQ
Housing & Basic Needs
What housing options do you offer?
We provide transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, and recuperative care housing for individuals recovering after hospital stays.
How long can someone stay in temporary or recuperative housing?
Our post-hospital recuperative housing model offers up to 90 days of free housing alongside full care coordination and support services to help residents transition into permanent housing.
FAQ
Food Security & Cherry Garden
Where is Cherry Garden located and when is it open?
Cherry Community Garden is located at 600 Cherry St, Vallejo, CA. Public open hours are Tuesday & Thursday from 9:30 AM to 12:30 PM, with special community events held on select Saturdays.
What can community members do at Cherry Garden?
Visitors can participate in hands-on organic gardening, learn composting and bioconstruction, engage in garden arts and crafts, practice reflection and meditation, or participate in environmental advocacy workshops.
Where can I find fresh produce from the garden?
Our youth and resident-run Farm-to-Table CSA program makes organic produce available directly at Cherry Garden and at the Downtown Vallejo Farmers’ Market on Saturdays (9:00 AM – 2:00 PM).
FAQ
Getting Involved & Financial Transparency
How can I volunteer with 4th Second?
Volunteers can support Cherry Garden maintenance, assist with youth transportation and field trip chaperoning, lead specialized workshops, or assist with community event setup. You can sign up through our Volunteer page.
How are donations processed and allocated?
All online donations are securely processed through Every.org ensuring 100% of your gift goes directly to our programs. You can choose to support general operations or direct funds toward specific initiatives like youth stipends, housing, or street medicine.
Is 4th Second a registered 501(c)(3)?
Yes, 4th Second is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) public charity. Financial disclosures and IRS determination documents are available for download on our Financial Reports page.