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 2026 Annual Report

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

Leadership Team

Administration

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

Recapping CB 2024

Michele Miller
Director of Business Operations
michelem@cbridges.org

Sharpened portrait of a smiling blonde woman

Jaime Cottini
Director of Communications & External Affairs
jaimec@cbridges.org

Programs

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

Lorena Gonzalez
Program Director, Early Education Division
lorenag@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

7

Elizabeth (Liz) Carrillo
Interim Program Director, Elderday
elizabethc@cbridges.org

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

Community Bridges joined community leaders, healthcare advocates, and local orgs at Watsonville Community Hospital for an event highlighting Measure E and the future of our local safety net.We were grateful to be part of the conversation, share our perspective on the importance of protecting essential community services, and connect with others who care about the health and well-being of our neighbors.Thank you to everyone who came together to discuss the challenges facing local healthcare and support services and what they mean for our community! 💚To learn more about Measure E and what's at stake for our community, read the recent Santa Cruz Sentinel guest commentary by our CEO, Raymon Cancino.🔗 www.santacruzsentinel.com/2026/10/09/guest-commentary-yes-on-measure-e-for-the-future-of-our-loca... ...
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Indigenous histories are living histories.On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we recognize the histories, cultures, and leadership of Indigenous peoples throughout the Central Coast. The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band is one of the Native communities with deep ties to the greater Monterey Bay region and continues to share its history and care for ancestral lands.Respect calls us to listen to Native voices and learn the fuller history of the places we call home. Learn directly from the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band at amahmutsun.org/history.#IndigenousPeoplesDay ...
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Stress, grief, family changes, and uncertainty can affect any of us. Support should feel close, welcoming, and within reach.On World Mental Health Day, we’re reminding our neighbors that they do not have to navigate difficult moments alone. Through Community Bridges’ Family Resource Collective, youth, adults, and families can connect with free counseling and other resources.A first step can be as simple as talking with our team. Learn more at communitybridges.org/frc/.#WorldMentalHealthDay #CommunityBridges ...
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Covered California Open Enrollment begins in less than a month. Start preparing now, and contact our Family Resource Collective if you need help understanding your options: communitybridges.org/frc.ESPAÑOLLa inscripción abierta de Covered California en Español comienza en menos de un mes. Prepárese desde ahora y comuníquese con nuestro Colectivo de Recursos Familiares si necesita ayuda para entender sus opciones: communitybridges.org/frc.#coveredcalifornia #OpenEnrollment #InscripciónAbierta #CommunityBridges ...
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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.