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:

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 low-income 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.

La Manzana Community Resources – Watsonville/Pajaro

Mentoring at-risk youth: The Aztecas Youth Soccer Academy combines a competitive soccer program with academic support to empower at-risk youth in Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley. We actively seek volunteers year-round to provide tutoring and mentorship, helping participants succeed both on and off the field. Your involvement can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these young athletes as they strive for academic and personal growth.

Help feed local students: Each summer, we provide nutritious lunches to children in South Santa Cruz County through the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program. Our Summer Lunch initiative ensures that kids who might not have access to meals while school is out receive balanced and healthy food. Join us in supporting the health and well-being of local youth by volunteering to serve meals and make a positive impact this summer.

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.

✊ We honor the legacy of May Day—International Workers' Day. A global celebration rooted in the fight for workers' rights and dignity. This day commemorates the struggle for fair working hours and justice. Though the U.S. observes Labor Day in September, May Day continues to inspire worldwide solidarity among workers. 🛠️This weekend, whether you’re organizing, striking, teaching, or simply learning — this day is yours. ... See MoreSee Less
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4 days ago

Community Bridges / Puentes De La Comunidad
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Thank you so much to all of our volunteers — your kindness, dedication, and compassion help us deliver not just meals, but connection, care, and hope to seniors in our community every single day. You truly are the heart of Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County. Want to make a difference too? 💫 Join our incredible team of volunteers and help strengthen our community! Sign up today at communitybridges.org/volunteer. ... See MoreSee Less
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Our CEO Raymon Cancino was honored to join California State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas today for a roundtable discussion on immigration alongside fellow leaders from across the district.Speaker Rivas has long stood with Community Bridges and immigrant communities in their fight for dignity, opportunity, and the American Dream. At a time when immigrant families and workers face increasing threats from federal action, this roundtable brought together organizations focused on worker protections, legal services, food access, mental health care, and more—to share ideas, concerns, and solutions.Thank you, Speaker Rivas, for continuing to lead with compassion and conviction. #ImmigrantJustice #CaliforniaForAll #ProtectImmigrants ... See MoreSee Less
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🎉 Congratulations to Maria Lopez, our April Employee of the Month! 🎉Maria serves as our Program Assistant III at the Fairgrounds Early Education Center and is truly the heart of support in her role. Always willing to lend a hand, Maria brings warmth and positivity to everyone around her. Her dedication and uplifting spirit make a meaningful impact in our community every day.Thank you, Maria, for your kindness, commitment, and for being such an essential part of the Community Bridges family! 😊 ... See MoreSee Less
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