Volunteer

Make a Difference with Community Bridges

Volunteers are the heart of Community Bridges, helping us deliver vital services across Santa Cruz County. With 10 programs operating at 20 locations, there are countless ways to get involved from delivering meals to seniors, distributing food to families, or tutoring students in our after-school programs.

If you’re 18 or older, applying is easy:

  •  
  • Mail or In-Person: Submit your application at 519 Main Street, Watsonville, CA 95076 (Open Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM).

Volunteers under 18 must submit their application in person. Download our online application by clicking on the links below:

How You Can Help

Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County

Make a meaningful impact by delivering meals and companionship to seniors in need. With 1,700 seniors relying on our services, your time helps foster independence, dignity, and community.

  • Deliver Meals: Provide essential nutrition and friendly visits to seniors across Santa Cruz County. Flexible routes fit your schedule.
  • Senior Dining Sites: Assist in the kitchen or serve meals at locations in Ben Lomond, Santa Cruz, or Watsonville.
  • Support Operations: Help with logistics at our headquarters to ensure efficient meal delivery to local seniors.

Elderday Adult Day Health Care

Empower local older adults: At Elderday, we provide exceptional day services for adults with complex medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s, dementia, and more. But Elderday is about more than health care — it’s a place where connection and creativity thrive.

We’re seeking volunteers to share their talents:

  • Teach art, music, yoga, Zumba, and writing classes.
  • Support staff-led activities such as crafts, dancing, karaoke, or reading groups.
  • Lead beginner English classes.

Mountain Community Resources – Felton/San Lorenzo Valley

Distribute food to families: In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, we provide free supplemental groceries and promote nutritional awareness to support our community. Join us every Thursday from 10:30 to 11:30 AM to access fresh, healthy food and helpful resources for you and your family.

Nueva Vista Community Resources – Santa Cruz

Tutor local children: Join us at the Beach Flats Community Center in empowering local elementary and middle school students with homework assistance across all subjects. Our after-school program provides a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and build confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit communitybridges.org/programs to explore each program’s mission, vision, values, and the communities we serve.

Our team works with vulnerable populations every day. Background checks help ensure the safety and well-being of our participants, reflecting Community Bridges’ commitment to trust, integrity, and our core values.

Wear professional, workplace-appropriate clothing. Avoid items that are political, offensive, or insensitive.

It depends on the role. Volunteers like drivers, musicians, or teachers may benefit from prior experience, while others will receive training directly from our staff.

For general inquiries, call us at 831-688-8840 or email recruitments@cbridges.org. For specific program questions, ask our front desk to connect you with the appropriate team member.

Volunteer Matching

International Self Care Day 💙Self care isn't selfish. It's one of the most important investments you can make in your health and well being.A good night's sleep. A nourishing meal. A walk outside. Setting healthy boundaries. Asking for help when you need it. Spending time with people who lift you up. These everyday choices can make a lasting difference in our physical, mental, and emotional health.But self care isn't always something we can do alone. Sometimes, it begins with having access to the right support.At Community Bridges, we're committed to making health and well being more accessible across Santa Cruz and Monterey counties. Whether it's affordable counseling and family support through our Family Resource Collectives, healthy foods and nutrition education through WIC, nutritious meals through Meals on Wheels, or enriching day services through Elderday that help older adults and adults with disabilities stay healthy, connected, and independent at home, these are just a few of the many ways Community Bridges supports our community every day.Whether you're looking for support, caring for a loved one, know someone who could benefit from our services, or simply believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive, Community Bridges is here to help.💙 Learn more about our programs and services at CommunityBridges.org.How w#InternationalSelfCareDaye#selfcare##MentalHealthMatterse#CommunityWellnesst#HealthyCommunitiesm#CommunityBridgesealthyCommunities #CommunityBridges ... See MoreSee Less
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Muchos de nosotros fuimos criados con la idea de ser siempre fuertes y no mostrar que somos frágiles. 💪 Pero la realidad es que ser fuerte no significa sufrir en silencio. Está bien sentirte vulnerable y pedir ayuda cuando lo necesitas.Tu bienestar mental es importante, y nadie debería pasar por los momentos difíciles solo. Hablar sobre lo que sientes es un signo de fortaleza, no de debilidad.Llama al 831-476-7284 Ext. 103 para una cita con nuestros consejeros, o visita communitybridges.org/frc para más información. Si necesitas ayuda inmediata, llama al 988.#SaludMentalImporta #serfuerteespedirayuda #BienestarMental #comunidadlatina ... See MoreSee Less
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Monthly giving is one of the most powerful ways to support lasting community impact.Reliable support allows Community Bridges to plan ahead, respond quickly to urgent needs, and sustain programs that thousands of neighbors rely on every year.Bridge Builders help strengthen essential services for children, families, and seniors across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties.Together, we’re building a stronger Central Coast.Learn more about becoming a Bridge Builder:communitybridges.org/monthly/ ... See MoreSee Less
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Join Community Bridges WIC Program to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week 2026 on August 7th! ... See MoreSee Less
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Happening TOMORROW!💚 Mountain Community ResourcesA healthy pet is a happy pet! 💚If you're a Santa Cruz County pet owner who qualifies for public assistance, Healthy Pets for All is here to help. FREE vaccine clinics provided for dogs and cats with core vaccinations, microchips, and parasite prevention (when available) to help keep them healthy and protected.🗓️ Friday, July 10 and Nov 20, 2026⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.📍 Mountain Community Resources 6134 Hwy. 9 Felton, CAA few things to know before you come:• No appointments—first come, first served• Dogs must be on a leash or in a carrier• Cats must be in a carrier• Arrive early! Lines close 30 minutes before the clinic ends, and wait times may be 1–2 hours.Learn more here: scanimalshelter.org/healthy-pets-for-all/💚 Together, we can help keep pets healthy, happy, and with the families who love them. ... See MoreSee Less
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50th Anniversary Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County - Community Bridges / Puentes de la Communidad logo

Celebrating 50 Years of Support

Join us at Food From the Heart to honor this legacy and support the future of senior care.

50th Anniversary Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County - Community Bridges / Puentes de la Communidad logo

Celebrating 50 Years of Support

Join us at Food From the Heart to honor this legacy and support the future of senior care.

Every Family Needs a Plan

Urge the Attorney General to adopt California’s Childcare Safety Plan.

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