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

4

Tony Nuñez
Marketing and Communications Manager
tonyn@cbridges.org

Programs

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

Photo coming soon

Currently Vacant
Program Director, Early Education Division

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

5

Steven Matzie
Program Director, Elderday
stevenm@cbridges.org

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

Preparedness is an act of care.An emergency plan helps protect more than property—it protects health, dignity and continuity of care. This National Preparedness Month, take one step today: know your evacuation zone, sign up for local alerts, prepare essential medications and documents, or confirm how you will reconnect with loved ones.When we prepare together, our whole community is safer and more resilient.#NationalPreparednessMonth #EmergencyPreparedness #CommunityResilience #CommunityBridges ...
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In the days since Dolly Parton’s passing, people around the world have reflected on the joy she shared, the lives she touched, and the remarkable legacy of generosity she leaves behind.Through Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, more than 300 million books have reached children and families around the world. Her work showed us how one act of kindness, repeated with care and purpose, can create a lasting ripple across families, communities, and generations.Her legacy reminds us that philanthropy is not defined by wealth. It is found in the ways we share our time, resources, compassion, and voices to help others and strengthen our communities.In the coming weeks, we look forward to recognizing some of the generous people and partners whose support makes the work of Community Bridges possible.Live generously. Give when you can. Help others rise. Live life like Dolly. 💚#DollyParton #DollyPartonLegacy #DollyPartonFans #Philanthropy #GiveBack #Generosity #CommunitySupport #ImaginationLibrary #LiteracyMatters #SpreadKindness #MakeADifference #CommunityBridges #SantaCruzCounty ...
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Welcoming Ashley and Paula to Community Bridges! 💚They’re joining a dedicated team working every day to connect children, families, and older adults with essential services and support throughout Santa Cruz County. We’re excited for the experience and enthusiasm they bring to our organization and the communities we serve.Welcome to the team, Ashley and Paula! 🎉Interested in joining our team? Visit CommunityBridges.org/careers to explore current opportunities. ...
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Every new word opens a door.During National Literacy Month, we celebrate the children, families, educators and tutors who make reading a shared source of confidence, curiosity and connection.Through nurturing early education and youth tutoring, Community Bridges helps young learners build skills they can carry into school, relationships and the future.Because literacy is more than learning to read—it is learning to imagine what is possible.#NationalLiteracyMonth #earlylearning #YouthLiteracy #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.