Sacramento, California – Sacramento’s 4th R Program has reached a milestone few community programs ever see: 40 years of serving young people and the families who count on it.
City of Sacramento Councilmember Lisa Kaplan marked the anniversary with a message of congratulations, recognizing the program’s long record of providing safe and enriching opportunities for children across the city. In her remarks, Kaplan said programs like 4th R are “so important to our community,” adding that families depend on the kind of support it provides.
The celebration looked back on four decades of work, but it also carried the feeling of a program still moving forward. For many Sacramento families, after-school and youth programs are more than a place to spend a few hours. They offer structure, care, learning and a trusted space where children can grow while parents manage work, school and daily responsibilities.
Kaplan also thanked the staff with the City of Sacramento’s Youth, Parks, & Community Enrichment team, noting their role in helping the program succeed over the years. Their work has helped keep the 4th R Program connected to the needs of Sacramento’s children, from its early years to the present day.
The anniversary was celebrated at District 1’s North Natomas Aquatics Complex, where families, staff and community partners gathered for a day of recognition and fun. One Youth Natomas also took part in the celebration, adding to the community spirit around the event.
Kaplan gave a special shoutout to summer intern Tanaya and Giovanni, the ONE Youth Coordinator, for representing Team Kaplan and helping make the event feel special. Their participation reflected the same idea that has carried the 4th R Program for 40 years: young people thrive when a community shows up for them.
After four decades, the message was simple but meaningful. The 4th R Program has made an impact, not just through services, but through consistency. Year after year, it has supported Sacramento youth and helped families feel a little more secure.
As Kaplan put it, the celebration was not only about honoring 40 years of service. It was also about looking ahead to many more years of impact for Sacramento’s children, parents and neighborhoods.