Across Santa Cruz and Monterey counties, families are bracing for a new wave of challenges.
Recent cuts to health, social, and nutrition services at both the federal and state levels have left our communities vulnerable. These reductions have placed even greater pressure on our eleven programs—programs that serve the entire age spectrum from infants to elders, meeting people where they are with dignity, compassion, and proven solutions.
That’s why your support is more critical now than ever.
We know that when government support recedes, local nonprofits must rise to meet the need. But we cannot do it alone. We’re calling on you—our neighbors, partners, and friends—to act.
Your gift today is more than a donation.
It’s a simple, powerful act of local defiance against systemic disinvestment.
It’s a declaration that our community can and will take care of its own.
It’s an assurance that we will meet the moment.
Here’s how you can help.
Make a Direct Donation
One-time or monthly gifts—big and small—to Community Bridges provide flexible, immediate support where it’s needed most.
Every dollar you give helps someone right here in our community:
- A single parent in Watsonville, connected with rental assistance and parenting support through our Family Resource Collective, regains stability and confidence after facing eviction.
- A retired veteran in Live Oak, who receives healthy meals delivered to his doorstep by our Meals on Wheels program, maintains his independence while living alone.
- A mother in Pajaro, receiving breastfeeding support and nutrition assistance for her infant through our WIC program, ensures her baby has a healthy start in life.
- A CZU Fire survivor in San Lorenzo Valley, still recovering from the trauma and displacement who finds clarity and support through regular meetings with our disaster case managers.
- An unhoused resident in Santa Cruz, who uses our Lift Line shuttle to reach vital services like food distribution, medical clinics, and counseling appointments, gets a chance to stay connected, healthy, and safe—even without a permanent address.
You can donate in two ways:
- Give to Community Bridges as a whole and let us direct your gift to the most urgent needs.
- Designate your donation to one of our 10 programs.
Donate: communitybridges.org/donate
Your gift ensures that no matter what happens in Washington, your community will be cared for right here at home.
Leave a Legacy
A legacy gift is a promise to future generations.
When you include Community Bridges in your will or living trust, you’re helping ensure that the children born in our community today will still have access to our support 30, 40, or 50 years from now. It’s a way to carry your compassion forward—to feed, protect, and empower the community you helped build for decades to come.
Sample bequest language:
“I give, devise and bequeath to Community Bridges, tax ID# 94-2460211, located at 519 Main Street, Watsonville, CA 95076, [the sum of $_______, or a percentage of your estate, or specified property] for the benefit of its general purposes [or name the specific program].”
Connect with our team:
Anna Vaage, Annual Giving and Events Coordinator
- Call: (831) 688-8840 x205
- Email: annav@cbridges.org
- Learn more: communitybridges.org/legacy
Planned Giving
Planned gifts offer creative, flexible ways to support Community Bridges—often with tax or income benefits to you and your family.
Options include:
- Gifts through retirement accounts
- Life insurance policies
- Charitable remainder or lead trusts
- Real estate or other non-cash assets
Our development staff and financial partners are here to guide you through your options and make the process smooth.
Let’s start a conversation: development@cbridges.org
More info at communitybridges.org/legacy
Gifts of Stock or Appreciated Assets
Turn your gains into lasting impact.
Donating appreciated stocks, mutual funds, or other securities can be one of the most tax-efficient ways to give. You may receive a deduction for the full market value and avoid capital gains taxes.
To make a gift of stock:
- Receiving Account Registration: Community Bridges – A nonprofit organization
- Account Number: 51042048
- DTC Number for LPL Financial: 0075
Please ask your broker to include your name and contact information.
Questions? Contact our financial advisor:
Cole J. Strickland – LPL Financial
- Call: (831) 818-1917
- Email: cole.strickland@lpl.com
After your transfer, please submit our Stock Transfer Form to:
Community Bridges
519 Main Street
Watsonville, CA 95076
Why Your Support Matters Now
In the face of widening gaps in the safety net, our 10 programs form a local bridge between crisis and care, fear and stability, hunger and nourishment.
These include:
- Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County
- WIC Nutrition Program
- Elderday Adult Day Health Care
- Lift Line
- Family Resource Collective (4 locations countywide)
Together, we met the moment for more than 20,000 people across Santa Cruz County last year—and this year, the need is even greater.
As challenges mount and resources shrink, our community is counting on us to rise again—and we can only do that with your support.
Neighbors helping neighbors. That’s Santa Cruz County. That’s the spirit of Community Bridges.
Now it’s your turn to meet the moment.
Make a gift that feeds, shelters, and supports your neighbors—today, tomorrow, and for whatever comes next.
For more information, visit communitybridges.org/donate.
