Statement from Community Bridges on Black Lives Matter #BLM and Racial Justice

At Community Bridges, we stand against the racism, social injustice and police brutality that are so clearly visible in our world today. In the last several weeks, we have seen frequent and significant racial tensions boil over. We have also seen a new push for reform that is demanding equality for black lives, and stands against anti-blackness and racism that have devalued humyn life for hundreds of years. As a result of such visual and horrific crimes against Black Americans at the hands of those who are supposed to be our peacekeepers, we are called to name and condemn these actions as contrary to our values of freedom, community and our commitment to serve. We also understand the tremendous pain and sadness that these incidents of systemic inequality and violence continue to perpetuate on the lives of Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). These continued incidents of brutality of people such as George Floyd, Breonna Taylor – or more recently, Sean Monterrosa – has caused stress, fear and anxiety during an already emotionally heightened time.

So we must seize this moment and actively work to change the systems that uphold and enable systemic racism in all its forms. As an organization, Community Bridges upholds true equity, and an important part of this work is to actively engage in the dismantling of white supremacy, and to continuously become better allies of justice. It is important for us to remember that there is no real start or end to these efforts, and that positive change comes from constant attention to these issues. We are experiencing a significant moment in our nation’s history and we must not let it pass without making significant and fundamental changes to how we all operate. We must ensure that moments like these are based on more than empty slogans. We must become catalysts to correct wrongs at all levels of society and seek justice for black lives, and as a result, all people. We must remove past approaches that have done more harm than good to ensure true liberation and freedom of racism – in all its forms – for ourselves and others.

Therefore, we affirm our commitment to support Black Lives Matter #BLM. We have deliberately waited to issue this statement because we wanted to give the space for communities directly affected to take the stage first before we amplified the message. As the largest social services nonprofit agency in Santa Cruz County we have a distinct responsibility to use our privilege by lending our platform, our voice and our support to this movement. By speaking up and sharing our voice through public affirmation, we signal that we choose the side of the oppressed over that of the oppressor. We will continue to let Black voices lead the way, but we will join them in the fight to abolish the current inequitable status quo plaguing our society.

Supporting the Black Lives Matter #BLM movement without translating this into actionable and meaningful changes to systems and processes within our own institutions will do little to create real change. Real change requires that we, at Community Bridges and within our community, actively work to remove all policies and systems that perpetuate white supremacy, gender inequality, bigotry and other expressions of systemic racism. We are also committed to eradicating anti-blackness and white supremacy from our own systems, as well as engaging in further introspection and analysis to change hundreds of years of learned and reinforced oppression.

Sincerely,

Raymon Cancino, Chief Executive Officer

We have identified a new time and location for the Flooding and Natural Emergency Preparedness Event that was postponed a couple of weeks ago. This Regional Emergency Preparedness Event is meant to empower and educate our community members across the Central Coast on the importance of readiness for unforeseen emergencies. NEW EVENT DETAILS Date: Saturday, December 2, 2023 Time: 10am – 1:30pm Location: Ramsay Park Family Center, 1301 Main Street, Watsonville This one-stop-shop event will offer a variety of information booths, expert emergency preparedness staff, hands-on activities, and information on invaluable emergency preparedness resources. Residents will have the opportunity to: • Learn how to create a family emergency plan • Assemble an emergency kit with essential supplies • Register for emergency notifications using the latest available systems • Understand local emergency services and communication systems 𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗔Ñ𝗢𝗟 Hemos identificado una nueva fecha y ubicación para el Evento de Preparación para Inundaciones y Emergencias Naturales que fue pospuesto hace un par de semanas. Este Evento Regional de Preparación para Emergencias tiene como objetivo capacitar y educar a los miembros de nuestra comunidad en la Costa Central sobre la importancia de estar preparados para emergencias imprevistas. NUEVOS DETALLES DEL EVENTO: Fecha: sábado, 2 de diciembre de 2023 Hora: 10am – 1:30pm Ubicación: Centro Familiar del Parque Ramsay, 1301 Main Street, Watsonville Este evento ofrecerá una variedad de información, expertos en preparación para emergencias, actividades prácticas e información sobre recursos invaluables de preparación para emergencias. Residentes tendrán la oportunidad de: • Aprenda a crear un plan de emergencia familiar • Armar un kit de emergencia con suministros esenciales • Regístrese para recibir notificaciones de emergencia utilizando los últimos sistemas disponibles • Comprender los servicios de emergencia locales y los sistemas de comunicación. County of Monterey, California County of Santa Cruz California Governor's Office of Emergency Services Community Bridges / Puentes De La Comunidad Catholic Charities Monterey ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
🌟 Incredible News! 🌟 Thanks to the generosity of over 100 donors like you, we not only met but surpassed our Giving Tuesday fundraising goal of $30,000! 🙌 Your support drives our mission to Strengthen Families, Nourish Community, and Meet Growing Needs in Santa Cruz County and North Monterey County.🎉 A huge shoutout to our amazing community for positively impacting 22,000 local children, parents, and older adults! 🙏 If you missed out yesterday, there's still time to make a tax-deductible donation before year-end and be part of something extraordinary. Your contribution, big or small, is vital in building a resilient, compassionate, and prosperous community. Together, let's unlock the full potential of every individual, ensuring equitable access to vital resources and advocating for health and dignity at every stage of life.Visit communitybridges.org/donate to donate and continue creating positive change in the lives of vulnerable children, parents, and older adults in our local community.Thank you for being the heartbeat of our mission. Your kindness is felt by every individual we serve, and together, we are making a real differe#CommunityBridgesi#givingwaveG#GivingTuesdayi#thankyou #ThankYou 🌊 ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
🏄‍♀️ Hang Ten for Giving Tuesday! 🤙 The waves of need in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley are rising fast. Recent stats from the California Budget & Policy Center reveal that over 60% of households earning less than $35,000 in California are struggling to cover basic expenses, from food to housing and medical costs. Childhood poverty has shockingly doubled nationwide in the past year, and malnutrition is taking a toll on older adults. The end of federal and local aid from the COVID-19 Pandemic has amplified economic pressures, inflation, and housing costs in our community, pushing many toward deeper poverty. But, fear not! 🌊 Community Bridges' family of ten programs is here to ride the wave with you, ensuring no one falls through the cracks. Support our mission at communitybridges.org/givingtuesday/ and let’s ride this wave of change together! 🌟 #GivingTuesday #CommunityBridges #HangTenForChange ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
🏄 Catch the Early Afternoon Giving Tuesday Swells! 🌊🏄‍♀️ Community Bridges has been Nourishing its community since 1977, and you can help us continue our mission this Giving Tuesday! 🌊 We stand as a steadfast advocate for food and nutrition services, committed to ensuring that every member of our community has equitable access to healthy, affordable, and nourishing food. Through our 10 comprehensive programs, we provide essential tools to parents, children, grandparents, friends, and neighbors, facilitating access to vital food resources and nutrition support. Learn more and donate at communitybridges.org/givingtuesday/ 🤙 #CommunityBridges #ridethewave #nourishingcommunity #GivingTuesday #catchthegivingwave ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
🏄 Today is Giving Tuesday: Time to Catch the Giving Wave! 🌊🏄‍♀️ One of our goals this Giving Tuesday is to Strengthen Families in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley. We’re dedicated to creating safe, healthy, and compassionate communities through our family of 10 programs. From food distribution to crisis assistance, mental health counseling, and youth tutoring, our diverse services cater to the unique needs of every family and individual. Join us on this incredible journey and make a difference. Learn more and donate at communitybridges.org/givingtuesday/ 🤙#GivingTuesday #StrengtheningFamilies #GivingWave #CommunityBridges #RideTheWave ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook