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

🌿 Branching Out to Serve Every Neighbor As Giving Tuesday approaches, we’re celebrating the branches of Community Bridges that stretch across Santa Cruz County—each one helping our neighbors grow stronger. From the strong trunk of Community Bridges extends our ten branches—programs that meet people where they are with compassion and care. This week, we’re featuring Teresa Fernandez, whose story shows how one branch—WIC (Women, Infants & Children)—changes lives in lasting ways. In 2005, Teresa walked through the doors of WIC as a new mother in crisis, feeling isolated, exhausted, and unsure of herself. Instead of judgment, she was met with empathy and encouragement: “You’re not alone. You’re a good mom.” That moment changed her life. A year later, Teresa joined the WIC team herself—and for seven years, she’s been the voice of reassurance for other mothers walking through those same doors. 💚 “When you support WIC,” she says, “you’re investing in a stronger future for everyone.” Next week is Giving Tuesday. Help us keep our branches strong so every neighbor can thrive. Learn more: communitybridges.org/givingtuesday ... See MoreSee Less
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Community Bridges and our Family Resource Collective are dedicated to supporting Santa Cruz County families through floods, fires, earthquakes, and beyond — with compassion, transparency, and long-term recovery in mind.From preparedness education to first-response services like case management, counseling, and essential item distribution, our Emergency Preparedness and DCM team works year-round to help our community stay safe and resilient.Visit any of our Family Resource Collective (FRC) locations to get help from our DCM team:📍 La Manzana Community Resources – 521 Main St, Suite Y, Watsonville | 📞 (831) 724-2997📍 Nueva Vista Community Resources – 611 Second St, Watsonville | 📞 (831) 724-2606📍 Live Oak Community Resources – 1740 17th Ave, Santa Cruz | 📞 (831) 476-7284📍 Mountain Community Resources – 6134 Hwy 9, Felton | 📞 (831) 335-6600Together, we’re building a stronger, more prepared community. 💛 Learn more at communitybridges.org/emergency/ ... See MoreSee Less
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At Community Bridges, we are reminded every day that gratitude grows in the connections we share.To the children, families, and older adults who trust us to walk beside them—thank you💚You teach us that fullness in life comes from compassion, resilience, and community.Wishing you a warm and hope-filled Thanksgiving. ... See MoreSee Less
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🪵 Standing Tall: The Strength Behind Community Bridges From our deep roots of generosity rises the steady trunk of Community Bridges — an agency built on accountability, compassion, and care. Behind every meal delivered, ride provided, and family served stands a dedicated team that keeps our operations strong and steady. From finance and HR to communications and compliance, these are the people who make sure every branch of our organization can grow and thrive. 🌟 Meet Erika Rodriguez, whose leadership helps the trunk of Community Bridges stay resilient, efficient, and deeply rooted in community values. Raising and providing the best for her children has always been at the core of her motivations. It’s that same devotion that fuels her work to ensure children and families across our community receive the nourishment and care they deserve. “A lot of families are hurting right now, and most of these kids don’t eat unless they’re in our program.” She says, “My motivation is reinforced when I hear the children say the only time they eat like this is at our program- it's a lifeline for families”. 💚 When you give this Giving Tuesday, you help us keep standing tall—ready to meet new challenges and serve our neighbors for the next 50 years. Learn more: communitybridges.org/givingtuesday ... See MoreSee Less
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✨ Our immigration video series with Attorney Lizett Peña continues! In this episode, we break down the new changes to the U.S. citizenship test that went into effect in October — what’s different and how the new 20-question format works.📞 Call 831-724-2997 ext. 213 to schedule a free consultation for Santa Cruz County and Pajaro Valley residents.#Immigration #Citizenship #Naturalization #CommunityBridges #Watsonville #Pajaro #SantaCruzCounty #SantaCruz ... See MoreSee Less
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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.