About Us

Our mission is to deliver essential services, provide equitable access to resources, and advocate for health and dignity across every stage of life.

Since 1977, Community Bridges has been a catalyst for a brighter future by delivering fundamental resources for the people of Santa Cruz County. Our family of ten vital programs across 20 different sites serves thousands of local children, families, and seniors each year. While each program is remarkable on its own, together we are unstoppable.

Every day, we empower participants to reach their full potential. Our programs give community members access to transportation, healthy food, health care, and senior adult day health care. We offer crises support, case management services, early education, grade school tutoring, as well as classes in breastfeeding, nutrition, parenting, and literacy. Most of these and other services we offer, are available at no cost.

Our values guide and shape daily decisions at all Community Bridges’ programs. They are the framework that enables us to develop effective programming, create change and better serve our clients.

To continue to provide these services and programs, thousands of individuals offer their support each year. Together, we are building the world we want to live in. Together, anything is possible.

View our 2025 Annual Report

Our Values: Commitment, Community, Compassion, Integrity, Respect, Support

Leadership Team

Administration

Ray Cancino

Raymon “Ray” Cancino
Chief Executive Officer
raymonc@cbridges.org

Doug Underhill

Douglas Underhill
Chief Finance Officer
douglasu@cbridges.org

Tyler Smith

Tyler Smith
Human Resources Director
tylers@cbridges.org

Photo coming soon

Michele Miller
Director of Business Operations
michelem@cbridges.org

Tony Nunez 2023

Tony Nuñez
Marketing and Communications Manager
tonyn@cbridges.org

Programs

Erika Rodriguez
Senior Program Manager, Child and Adult Care Food Program
erikar@cbridges.org

Lisa Hindeman Holbert

Lisa Hindman Holbert
Program Director, Early Education Division
lisah@cbridges.org

Dana Wagner - Program Director, WIC

Dana Wagner
Senior Program Director, WIC & Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County
danaw@cbridges.org

Mayra Melendrez
Program Director, Family Resource Collective
mayraf@cbridges.org

Lois Sones

Lois Sones
Program Director, Elderday
loiss@cbridges.org

Jesus Bojorquez
Program Director, Lift Line
jesusb@cbridges.org

This past year, Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County delivered 66,118 more meals per year than in 2019.That’s 66,118 more home-delivered meals reaching older adults in Santa Cruz County—meals that help seniors remain nourished, independent, and connected. And these deliveries are about far more than food. For many seniors, the arrival of a Meals on Wheels driver is a wellness check. A moment of human connection. A reminder that someone is looking out for them.As more older adults face hunger, isolation, and barriers to accessing healthy food, the demand for home-delivered meals continues to grow. Meals on Wheels is one of the most effective ways our community can respond—with compassion, respect, and support—so older adults can age safely at home.This is what community looks like. And the need is still rising.To learn more about what’s driving this growing need, read and share our op-ed: santacruzsentinel.com/2026/01/07/guest-commentary-a-funding-freeze-would-put-seniors-at-risk-congress-must-act/#MealsOnWheels #SantaCruzCounty #SantaCruz #SeniorNutrition #InvestInSeniors #AgingWithDignity #CommunityCare #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #EndSeniorHunger ... See MoreSee Less
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In honor of Positive Parenting Awareness Month, Community Bridges warmly invites families to a FREE Positive Parenting Program & Resources Fair.This family-friendly event offers a welcoming space to learn, connect, and grow together. Families can meet local agencies, connect with Triple P Parent Educators, and learn about counseling and family support services available in our community.🎉 Enjoy an afternoon of fun activities, snacks, games, and prizes, plus free admission to the museum for the whole family.📍 Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History📅 Saturday, January 24, 2026⏰ 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.🎈 Free and open to all families ... See MoreSee Less
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Photos from Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County's post ... See MoreSee Less
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✨ National Mentoring Month Spotlight ✨This week, we’re highlighting the Community Bridges team members who inspire, support, and uplift others every day—shaping a workplace culture built on learning, compassion, and connection.Today, we’re proud to recognize Tony Nunez, Marketing & Communications Director, whose leadership is deeply grounded in mentorship. “I’ve been fortunate to have mentors who not only supported me during difficult moments, but challenged me to rethink how I see the world and the people in it.” Tony draws inspiration from the African proverb “Each one teach one,” a powerful reminder that knowledge is not meant to be held—it’s meant to be shared. “Mentoring taught me that when one person gains knowledge, they have a responsibility to pass it on. That’s how communities grow.” This idea has deep historical roots. During slavery, when reading and writing were denied, those who learned felt compelled to teach another—turning education into an act of collective resistance and care. “When systems fail or deny access, community steps in. Sharing knowledge becomes a way to uplift everyone.” Mentoring changed Tony’s life—and now, he pays it forward. “If we want a community of leaders, we have to create it—intentionally, together, and with care.” 💚 Thank you, Tony, for your leadership, generosity, and commitment to mentoring others. And thank you to all the mentors who strengthen our community through encouragement, patience, and respect—during National Mentoring Month and beyond.#NationalMentoringMonth #CommunityBridges #NonprofitLeadership #SantaCruzCounty ... See MoreSee Less
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FREE Food Distribution – January 22📍 Location: 6134 Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018📅 Thursday, January 22🕥 Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AMWe’re proud to support the San Lorenzo Valley community by offering free groceries, fresh produce, pantry staples, and essential items to anyone in need. Whether you’re picking up for yourself, a neighbor, or a family member—you are welcome here.No registration, no ID, no questions asked. Just come as you are 💚🔗 Learn more or get involved: communitybridges.org/mcr ... 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.

This

giving tuesday

Strengthen
Our Roots

Since 1977, your generosity has helped our community grow stronger.