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

Photo coming soon

Steven Matzie
Program Director, Elderday
stevenm@cbridges.org

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

World Refugee Day recognizes the courage, strength, and resilience of people who have been forced to flee their home countries in search of safety and stability 💚It is also a reminder that refugees bring meaningful contributions to our communities while often carrying stories of hardship, hope, and perseverance.Community Bridges supports inclusive, compassionate services that promote dignity, connection, and belonging for all individuals and families. Today we honor refugee communities and the strength it takes to rebuild and thrive 💚 ... See MoreSee Less
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Juneteenth is a day to honor freedom, justice, and resilience 💚It commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and reminds us that the work toward equity and true liberation continues today.At Community Bridges, we recognize that strong communities are built when every person has access to dignity, opportunity, and support. Through our programs serving children, families, and seniors, we remain committed to advancing wellbeing and equity for all.Today we honor the strength, history, and resilience of Black communities—and we continue to stand in support of justice for all 💚 ... See MoreSee Less
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Family Resource Centers help families meet essential needs through food access, public benefits assistance, and basic resources.Support is available at four community-based locations across Santa Cruz County.Learn more: Communitybridges.org/FRC#communitysupport #FamilyWellbeing #CommunityBridges #FRCSpanishLos Centros de Recursos Familiares apoyan a las familias con acceso a alimentos, asistencia con beneficios públicos y recursos básicos.El apoyo está disponible en cuatro ubicaciones comunitarias en el Condado de Santa Cruz.Conoce más: Communitybridges.org/FRC#ApoyoComunitario #BienestarFamiliar #CommunityBridges #FRC ... See MoreSee Less
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Hunger Awareness Month is a reminder that both immediate support and long-term solutions are needed to address food insecurity.Community Bridges offers food access across the lifespan, including CACFP 🥗, which supports healthy meals for children in care settings, and Meals on Wheels 🚗, which delivers nutritious meals to homebound seniors.Learn more or apply here:CACFP: communitybridges.org/cacfp-interest-form/Meals on Wheels: communitybridges.org/meals-on-wheels-client-application/ ... See MoreSee Less
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Please join us in welcoming Steven Matzie as the new Program Director of Elderday Adult Day Health Care!Steven brings more than a decade of experience supporting older adults, people with disabilities, caregivers, and community partners across Santa Cruz County. His background in care management, long-term care advocacy, inclusive senior programming, and local resource coordination will help guide Elderday’s next chapter of compassionate, community-based care.At Elderday, participants receive skilled health support, meaningful social connection, therapeutic activities, nutritious meals, transportation, care coordination, and caregiver respite—all helping older adults and people with disabilities remain safe, supported, and connected while continuing to live at home.We are also deeply grateful to longtime Program Director Lois Sones for her decades of leadership, advocacy, and commitment to dignified care for older adults, people with disabilities, and families.Welcome to Community Bridges, Steven. We’re excited for the future of Elderday under your leadership.Learn more about Elderday at CommunityBridges.org/elderday Read the full announcement: communitybridges.org/steven-matzie-to-lead-elderdays-next-chapter-of-compassionate-adult-day-health-care/ ... 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.