Media Advisory: Community Bridges Holds Press Conference to Respond to County Cuts to Critical Services for Unhoused Individuals, Seniors, Children, and Families

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

FACT SHEET ON ANTICIPATED SERVICE IMPACTS

MEDIA ADVISORY: COUNCIL MEMBER SANDY BROWN AND THIRD DISTRICT CANDIDATE JUSTIN CUMMINGS JOIN COMMUNITY BRIDGES BOARD MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS TO SPEAK OUT ABOUT COUNTY’S PROPOSED CUTS TO CRITICAL SERVICES

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY PROPOSES MORE THAN $800,000 IN CUTS TO COMMUNITY BRIDGES’ FUNDING FOR SENIOR AND CHILD CARE SERVICES, FAMILY RESOURCE CENTERS AND FOOD FOR LOW-INCOME COMMUNITIES

Santa Cruz County, CA — Community Bridges is inviting media, community members, supporters, and participants to a press conference to learn more about the impacts to Community Bridges’ ten programs and more than 20 locations serving every community in Santa Cruz County. If adopted, these funding recommendations would remain in place through June 2025 – affecting three funding cycles.

When:               June 7, 10:30 a.m.

Where:              Community Bridges Watsonville Campus

519 S. Main St., Watsonville

Who:

Raymon Cancino, Community Bridges CEO

Justin Cummings, Santa Cruz City Councilmember and former Mayor

Sandy Brown, Santa Cruz City Councilmember

Mary McMillan, Community Bridges Board of Directors

Silvia Morales, Community Bridges Board of Directors

Clay Kemp, Seniors Council Executive Director

Paul Machlis, Food Pantry Volunteer Coordinator –

Mountain Community Resources

Bilingual staff will be available for Spanish-language publications and outlets.

What:                Santa Cruz County released its proposed CORE funding recommendations for the 22/23 fiscal year, which would result in an $816,000 funding reduction that disproportionately affects certain programs.

Impacts

  • Partial closure of all four Family Resource Centers (FRCs) and reduction in services offered and staffing (La Manzana serves – Watsonville, Nueva Vista – Santa Cruz and mid-County, Live Oak – mid-County, Mountain Community Resources – North County)
  • FRCs serve more than 6,600 members of the Santa Cruz County community across four locations. Those individuals rely on the centers for weekly or bi-weekly food distributions, regular access to tutoring and afterschool homework support, summer lunch programs, and access to personal care and benefits programs.
  • Loss of subsidized childcare slots and potential site closures across Santa Cruz County Early Education Child Care sites.
  • Significant reduction in services for seniors through Elderday impacting up to 250 clients and their families relying on the only Adult Day Health Care provider in the county providing respite care and supportive services.

ABOUT COMMUNITY BRIDGES 

Community Bridges envisions a thriving community where every person has the opportunity to unleash their full potential. Together, our family of programs delivers essential services, provides equitable access to resources, and advocates for health and dignity across every stage of life. To learn more, please visit www.communitybridges.org.

The Community Bridges family of programs includes the Child & Adult Care Food Program, Early Education Division, Women, Infants and Children (WIC), La Manzana Community Resources, Live Oak Community Resources, Mountain Community Resources, Nueva Vista Community Resources, Elderday Adult Day Health Care, Lift Line and Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County.

For more than 100 years combined, Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County and Grey Bears have delivered more than just food—we’ve delivered hope, dignity, and connection to tens of thousands of older adults in Santa Cruz County.Today, we’re facing one of our greatest challenges yet. As demand for meals among local seniors rises, critical federal programs like CalFresh (SNAP) and the National Senior Nutrition Program (NSIP) have been severely cut. These safety nets are lifelines for local older adults who are already forced to choose between groceries, rent, and medication.When food support disappears, the ripple effects hit our entire community—impacting health care, housing, and transportation systems—and make local programs like Meals on Wheels and Grey Bears all the more essential. 💛 You can make a difference.Your support helps bring food—and hope—straight to the doorstep of someone who truly needs it.📍 Donate today:Community Bridges ➡️ communitybridges.org/donateGrey Bears ➡️ greybears.org/ways-to-give📖 Learn how we’re banding together at the table for local seniors:🔗 bit.ly/4kJi3ag Together, we can ensure no senior is forgotten.Together, we can feed hope.#MealsOnWheels #GreyBears #CommunityBridges #FeedHope #TogetherAtTheTable #SantaCruzCares@ ... See MoreSee Less
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Photos from Elderday Adult Day Health Care's post ... See MoreSee Less
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Ten Years Strong - Thanks to YOU!Because of your unwavering support, our 10th Annual Farm to Fork Gala was an unforgettable celebration of community, compassion, and impact.Together, you supported all ten Community Bridges programs, touching the lives of over 20,000 local children, families, and older adults. Your generosity fueled essential services, expanded equitable access to resources, and brought health and dignity across every stage of life on our Central Coast. This milestone is yours to celebrate. We’re endlessly grateful for your partnership.Enjoy these highlights from a night we’ll never forget — and mark your calendar for next year!If you weren’t able to attend, there’s still time to make an impact. Join us at communitybridges.org/donate 💚 ... See MoreSee Less
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🌿 Thank You to Our Incredible Sponsors! 🌿Our Farm to Fork Gala wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our amazing partners.Special thanks to:Bontadelli Farms, Driscoll's, Ginny Solari Mazry, Lookout Santa Cruz, Tere Carrubba & Cathe Race, West Coast Community Bank — your presence and support made this event truly special.And a heartfelt thank you to:Armitage Wines, Tilapia, Alfaro Family Vineyards, CamFlor Inc., Chic Event Rentals, Edward Newman Family, Falcon Trading Co., Karissa Paxton Events LLC, and Tilapia Film — your contributions helped bring our vision to life. ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy Fourth of July!🎆Wishing everyone a day filled with sunshine, laughter, and celebration. Whether you're enjoying a BBQ, watching fireworks, or just kicking back — we hope your holiday is safe and full of joy!Don't forget to wave when you see Lift Line and Meals on Wheels in the parade! 🎉🚐🍽️ ... See MoreSee Less
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