Community Champions 2024

Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County, a program of Community Bridges, extends heartfelt gratitude to all who participated and supported this year’s Community Champions!

We are immensely grateful to the following local leaders and elected officials for their unwavering commitment to our community’s older adults:

  • Yvette Brooks, Vice Mayor, Capitola
  • Casey Clark, Watsonville City Council 
  • Jack Dilles, City Councilman, Scotts Valley
  • Zach Friend, Santa Cruz County Supervisor, District 2
  • Ramon Gomez, from the office of Felipe Hernandez, Santa Cruz County Supervisor, District 4
  • Manu Koenig, Santa Cruz County Supervisor, District 1

Their presence during meal deliveries and at senior dining sites throughout Santa Cruz County has not only raised awareness but also provided invaluable human connection to those we serve.

This nationwide campaign, spearheaded by Meals on Wheels America, has underscored the critical importance of addressing isolation, food insecurity, and poverty among older adults. The statistics speak volumes, revealing the stark reality faced by many of our seniors. Yet, through initiatives like Community Champions Week, we unite as a community to provide essential support and nurture the well-being of our aging population.

Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County remains dedicated to our mission of delivering nutritious meals and vital support services directly to the homes of seniors in need. With your continued support, we can ensure that no senior in Santa Cruz County is left behind or forgotten.

Thank you to everyone who has contributed to the success of Community Champions Week. Your generosity and compassion have made a meaningful difference in the lives of our community’s older adults. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to upholding the health, dignity, and independence of seniors in Santa Cruz County.

🎉 Congrats to Omar Sabbah, our Employee of the Month! 🌟 His unwavering dedication to meeting the needs of our Community Bridges WIC Program participants is nothing short of inspiring. Omar goes above and beyond to ensure every individual feels supported and valued. His compassionate approach and tireless work ethic make a profound impact on our community. Thank you, Omar, for being a shining example of excellence and commitment! 👏 ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Whether you're attending the Mountain Affair or unable to join us, you can still make a significant impact on the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley by supporting Mountain Community Resources (MCR). Your generous donations will help us fund the growing needs of our community.Here’s how your contribution can make a difference:💵 $500 – Crisis Support and Disaster Recovery Services:Your donation will help fund 2,000 hours of personalized support for over 800 San Lorenzo Valley residents. This includes assistance with housing, employment, food benefits, healthcare enrollment, and disaster recovery. MCR connects individuals with essential resources to recover and thrive.🥫 $300 – Pack the Pantry:Sponsoring the pantry for a month ensures we can continue to "Feed the Valley." Last year, over 600 residents received 9,000 bags of food from our pantry. You can also contribute $25 per month for a year to help keep our pantry stocked and combat food insecurity.🚨 $200 – Emergency Preparedness:Founded in response to the 1982 mudslides, MCR prioritizes emergency preparedness. Your donation will help purchase essential supplies like sandbags, shovels, chainsaws, radios, and more—vital for keeping our community safe and ready for any emergencies.❄️ $100 – Winter Warming Program:Our Winter Warming Program provides crucial drop-in services, including showers, laundry, phone access, and food distribution. Over the past year, we distributed over 800 blankets and clothing items to more than 200 residents. Your contribution supports purchasing rain ponchos, coats, bedding, and other essentials to keep our community warm.🧠 $50 – Counseling and Legal Assistance:Through Community Bridges, we offer essential mental health counseling and legal aid to valley families. Your donation helps fund one-on-one sessions with licensed counselors and free legal assistance for employment issues and eviction prevention, supporting individuals in maintaining stability.🧼 $25 – Hygiene Kits:MCR provides over 5,000 showers and laundry services annually. During these visits, residents receive food, internet access, phone chargers, snacks, and water. Your $25 donation provides a hygiene kit, including soap, towels, and detergent, ensuring individuals maintain personal cleanliness and dignity.👉 Purchase your tickets for the Mountain Affair today or make a donation to support these vital services: communitybridges.org/events/ Thank you for your support in helping us strengthen our community! 💚 ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
La atención preventiva, como los chequeos anuales, las pruebas de detección del cáncer y los exámenes de bienestar infantil, están cubiertos en todos los planes de salud ofrecidos a través de Covered California, sin coste adicional. Inscríbase si recientemente experimentó un evento de vida de calificación.coveredca.com/special-enrollment/ ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Preventative care, like annual checkups, cancer screenings and children's wellness exams, are covered in every health plan offered through Covered California, at no additional cost. Sign up if yourecently experienced a qualifying life event.coveredca.com/special-enrollment/ ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook