Guest Commentary | Local nonprofit head discusses fairness and trust in election – Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 2025
We admire all candidates willing to serve, including Elias Gonzales and incumbent Supervisor Felipe Hernandez with his decades of public service, and we wish each of them well. Our mission, however, extends beyond any election cycle or political party. As a nonprofit institution, we are legally required to remain separate from all campaign activities related to individual candidates.
Letter to the Editor: Service Before Politics – Good Times, March 2025
We believe it is important to be transparent about this step because public-serving and public-facing organizations must hold themselves to a high standard, especially when an employee seeks elected office. These safeguards are designed not only to protect our organization, but also to protect the integrity of the community’s electoral process and the confidence residents place in community institutions such as Community Bridges.
County Supervisors green-light SHIELD ordinance – The Pajaronian, March 2025
Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino said immigrant-serving organizations are already seeing the impacts of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement policies. “Across the country, we’re seeing deeply troubling trends,” he said. “For the first time in modern history, more immigrants are detained without a criminal record than those with one.” And many are mistakenly arrested, he said. Addressing those challenges will require coordinated action by local governments and community organizations, Cancino said.
Letter to the editor: Community Bridges affirms our neutrality in District 4 supervisor race – Lookout Santa Cruz, March 2025
Democracy, the very fiber on which our nation was built, is a fragile experiment, and it requires us all to participate in it to make it flourish and thrive. The upcoming District 4 Santa Cruz County supervisor race also reminds us that public confidence and trust are necessary and important for our democracy to flourish. Each institution has a role in protecting it, and we take that responsibility at Community Bridges seriously.
Santa Cruz County moves to bar federal immigration agencies from using its facilities – Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 2025
The proposed ordinance received overwhelming support from public speakers including county Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah and others from several immigration rights and advocacy groups such as the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Watsonville Law Center and Community Bridges.
Sanctuary and solidarity: When deportations surge on the Central Coast, we must be ready – Lookout Santa Cruz, March 2025
In December 2025, nonprofit Community Bridges demonstrated real leadership by launching the Puentes Para Familias fund. The fund provides up to $2,500 in emergency financial assistance to families facing detention and separation. But it’s not enough. The initial $25,000 in the fund was exhausted by the end of January – before a surge in immigration enforcement has even arrived.
Three years after the Pajaro River levee breached, rebuilding continues at a steady pace. – Monterey County Weekly, March 2025
Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino estimates about 20 percent of Pajaro’s population moved out of the town since the flood, due to high housing costs and fears over federal immigration policy and the levee. Commitment from the state and federal governments goes a long way toward helping Pajaro residents feel safe and find opportunities here, Cancino notes. “But at the same time, we live in a flood zone,” he says. “Mother Nature doesn’t care about engineering. For me, it’s a constant reminder that you need to understand where you live and that you’re never going to be truly safe if you’re living in a flood zone.”
Guest Commentary | Meals and Wheels: The beauty of a community showing up for its seniors – Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 5
At the 13th Annual Food From the Heart Luncheon on Feb. 13, neighbors, volunteers, business leaders, elected officials, partners and longtime supporters gathered to celebrate 50 years of Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County, mark the delivery of our 10 millionth meal, and raise a record-breaking $116,000 to support older adults across our region. Those numbers matter deeply, and we are profoundly grateful for the generosity behind them. They speak volumes about our community’s unwavering commitment to ensuring our older adults are nourished, valued and supported.
Pajaro unveils mural symbolizing resilience after devastating floods – KSBW, February 2026
After the floods, the state invested nearly $20 million into Pajaro’s long-term recovery. Raymon Cancino with Community Bridges said, “Part of those funds went to community beautification projects and opportunities for us to celebrate resiliency, community and the people of Pajaro.”
Pajaro celebrates a new mural depicting the town’s rise from the 2023 flood. – Monterey County Weekly, February 2026
Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino praised Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and State Sen. John Laird for securing the funds, noting that none of the relief work in Pajaro would have been possible without them. He adds that combining the grant funds Community Bridges received with that of Hijos del Sol allowed the mural to expand in size.
The music still plays at Elderday: Lois Sones and the art of keeping people home – Lookout Santa Cruz, February 2026
For nearly 13 years, Lois Sones has stood at the center of that daily choreography. Under her leadership, Elderday has done what it was designed to do: keep people as well as possible for as long as possible. Elderday prevents unnecessary hospitalizations and early institutionalization, maintains people in their home and keeps people safe while helping to reduce caregiver depression and extend the time families can care for loved ones at home. It also offers structure, stimulation, and belonging to people living with dementia and those with complex medical conditions.
Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County marks 50 years with Food From the Heart fundraiser – Press Banner, February 2026
As Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County reaches its 50th year of serving older adults, the organization will celebrate the milestone with the 13th annual Food From the Heart Luncheon, a fundraiser supporting senior nutrition and wellness programs in the region. The Valentine-themed luncheon is scheduled for Friday, Feb. 13, from 11am-1pm at Chaminade Resort and Spa in Santa Cruz. Proceeds from the event directly support Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County, a program of Community Bridges that has delivered nearly 10 million meals since its founding in 1976 as the Golden Age Nutrition Program.
More Than a Meal: How Community Bridges Is Helping Seniors Age With Dignity – Very Local Brand, February 2026
For many older adults, aging with dignity means staying at home, maintaining independence, and feeling seen. For Joyce, that dignity arrived on her doorstep, one meal and one friendly knock at a time. Joyce is 94 years old. After losing her husband, the days grew quieter. What brought her back into rhythm was Meals on Wheels Santa Cruz County, a vital program of Community Bridges. The daily visits offered more than nutritious food; they restored connection, purpose, and a reason to get up each morning. “I can’t imagine not having that connection,” Joyce said.
Meals on Wheels of Santa Cruz County Marks 50 Years With Food From the Heart Gala – Times Publishing Group, January 2026
Supervisors greenlight SHIELD to protect immigrants – The Pajaronian, January 2026
Santa Cruz County’s immigrant community got a measure of protection Tuesday after the Board of Supervisors approved an ad hoc subcommittee that will address potential impacts from federal immigration enforcement. The two-member group, known as SHIELD—short for Safeguarding Health, Inclusion, Essential Services, and Local Defense—will be chaired by Board Chair Monica Martinez and include Supervisor Felipe Hernandez. The subcommittee will work with county staff, community organizations and regional agencies to coordinate a response focused on protecting access to essential services for county residents.
We’re reducing homelessness in Santa Cruz County; now we must fight to keep the funding – Lookout Santa Cruz, January 2025
Santa Cruz County is proving that homelessness can be reduced — even in the least affordable rental market in the nation. But the programs making that progress possible are now at risk with cuts to federal and state funding. I am calling on residents, business leaders and elected officials to speak out immediately to protect funding for housing and homelessness solutions before years of hard-won gains are undone.
Santa Cruz County supervisors form subcommittee to aid immigrant residents amid national ICE crackdown – Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 2025
The proposal to create the subcommittee received overwhelming support from public speakers, some of whom were also elected officials or leaders of organizations that serve the local immigrant community. Public comments were shared by Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino, Watsonville Law Center Executive Director Adriana Melgoza and county Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah, among many more.
Meals on Wheels to celebrate 50th anniversary – The Pajaronian, January 2025
Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County will mark its 50th anniversary this year, and organizers are selling tickets for a Feb. 13 fundraising luncheon they say is increasingly critical as demand grows and funding pressures mount. The 13th annual Food From the Heart Luncheon is scheduled from 11am to 1pm at Chaminade Resort & Spa. The Valentine-themed event will feature a catered lunch, silent and live auctions, a raffle, the annual Sweetheart Award ceremony and a “Fund-A-Need” pledge drive supporting senior meal services, according to a news release from Community Bridges.
Fifty years at the doorstep: Why Meals on Wheels matters more than ever—and how you can help – Lookout Santa Cruz, January 2025
Founded in 1976 as the Golden Age Nutrition Program, Meals on Wheels began as a modest community response to hunger among older adults. Over time, it has grown into one of the county’s most trusted lifelines—delivering nourishment, dignity, and human connection to seniors who want nothing more than to remain healthy and independent in the homes and neighborhoods they love. This year, Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County, a program of Community Bridges, marks a remarkable milestone: 50 years of service, nearly 10 million meals delivered, and thousands of older adults supported through moments of stability and crisis alike.
Guest Commentary | A Funding Freeze Would Put Seniors at Risk—Congress Must Act – Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 2025
Older adults — many living alone, on fixed incomes, and facing serious health challenges — have once again been left out of critical federal funding decisions. The current CR only releases funds to states from September through January. If Congress fails to act by Jan. 30, federal funds will be frozen, leaving states unable to distribute resources to local programs that serve seniors, including Meals on Wheels.
Santa Cruz houses 73% of homeless shelter beds in the county. That has to change. – Santa Cruz Lookout, January 2025
When Community Bridges closed day services in Felton this summer, citing a lack of funding, it showed how few alternatives exist outside Santa Cruz. We should create low-cost day-service centers with showers, lockers, laundry and mail in Felton, Live Oak, Capitola, Soquel, Aptos and other communities. We also need smaller shelters and more tiny home villages spread out across the county. The 2025 point-in-time count documented 1,473 people experiencing homelessness in Santa Cruz County, 76% of whom were unsheltered — an estimated 1,120 people are sleeping outdoors every night.
Watsonville earns Cultural District Designation – The Pajaronian, December 2025
Downtown Watsonville has always boasted strong multicultural roots and a rich community of artists, small businesses and residents that care deeply about their community. Now, the state of California does, too. The California Arts Council has named downtown Watsonville one of the state’s newest officially designated Cultural Districts, putting the city’s arts, history and homegrown creativity on a short list shared with just 23 other communities statewide. Watsonville is one of 10 new districts selected this year.
Guest Commentary | Act now to help immigrant families – Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 2025
Confusion is not an accident in public policy — it is a purposeful outcome. And in the case of Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Trump administration’s newly proposed “public charge” rule (DHS Docket No. USCIS-2025-0304), confusion is the point. In simple terms, this rule drastically changes whether families are punished in immigration decisions for using basic services like health care, food assistance or family support programs.
Quick Bites | Save the date for annual Meals on Wheels lunch– Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 2025
The 13th annual Food from the Heart luncheon, benefiting Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County, is Feb. 13, 2026, at Chaminade Resort & Spa. Auction previews and other event details will be announced in the future. The event includes a gourmet lunch, program updates and live and silent auctions. Tickets are $120 per person. Learn more at communitybridges.org/ffth. A Community Bridges program, Meals on Wheels provides more than 1,600 vulnerable seniors with nourishment and connection.
Community Bridges launches fund to support families facing detention or separation – Press Banner, December 2025
Immigration enforcement actions have significant impacts on families, often leading to financial instability, housing crises, childcare disruptions and legal uncertainties. In response, Community Bridges has introduced Puentes Para Familias, an Emergency Family Aid Fund offering up to $2,500 per household to help families manage urgent needs while planning for the future. The fund is supported by seed funding from Sunlight Giving.
Medi-Cal benefits paperwork deadline quickly approaching – Monterey Herald, December 2025
Medi-Cal is California’s health insurance program for low-income families, seniors and adults with disabilities. It covers medical care, dental services and prescription medicine for eligible residents. After someone qualifies, the Central Coast Alliance for Health helps connect recipients with physicians and covered medical services.
Pajaro Valley Collaborative pushes for statewide adoption of Childcare Safety Plan – Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 2025
With the law set to go into effect at the start of 2026, the Pajaro Valley Collaborative is petitioning the state to adopt the Childcare Safety Plan, which was created by local nonprofits like Community Bridges and Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County during the first Trump administration in 2017. The plan provides a free, bilingual template for parents and caregivers to provide detailed information about their children’s health, education and daily routines and to designate a future guardian in emergency situations.
As Medi-Cal changes loom, Santa Cruz County’s immigrant families face a new health crisis — and a call for collective action – Lookout Santa Cruz, December 2025
On a weekday morning in Watsonville, sunlight filters across the lobby of La Manzana Community Resources, where families gather in the steady rhythm of a community center that has become a lifeline. Parents rock toddlers on their hips. Elders wait with renewal packets folded sharply in their hands. Conversations drift between Spanish, English, and Mixteco as advocates help residents navigate the network of public services that keep many local households afloat. People come to La Manzana or “Manzanita” seeking stability—guidance with housing, support during crisis, a trusted place to make sense of paperwork and policies. But in recent months, a different question has been rising to the surface: “What’s going to happen to my Medi-Cal?”
A Santa Cruz County foodie holiday gift guide – Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 2025
Between the continuously rising food costs and the government shutdown that delayed many people’s SNAP benefits, the vulnerable population of our county has had increased food insecurity this season. Many local organizations work hard to alleviate this, and a donation in your gift recipient’s honor would be very meaningful. These nonprofits include Second Harvest Food Bank (thefoodbank.org), Grey Bears (greybears.org), Community Bridges and Meals on Wheels (communitybridges.org) Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes (pvloavesandfishes.org) and Housing Matters (housingmatterssc.org). Also, the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust (montereybayfisheriestrust.org) provides nutritious local seafood to families experiencing food insecurity through its Community Seafood Program.
Colorado-based nonprofit tapped to temporarily run Santa Cruz County Head Start after Encompass exit – Santa Cruz Local, November 2025
Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino told Lookout the nonprofit is interested in applying as well and is exploring what that might look like.
Tracking immigration enforcement: 24 visits to Santa Cruz County in 2025 – Santa Cruz Local, November 2025
Donate to Community Bridges’ Puentes Para Familias emergency fund for immigrant families facing immigration detention or arrest.
Alumna Tonje Switzer receives Green Heart Award for CZU complex fire and Santa Cruz storm recovery efforts – UCSC, November 2025
UC Santa Cruz alumna and Executive Director of the Santa Cruz Long Term Recovery Group Tonje Switzer (Oakes ’16, sociology) was awarded the Mountain Affair’s Green Heart Award in October, for her resilience, generosity, bravery, and community leadership following the CZU Complex Fire. “It’s such an honor to receive that award,” Switzer said. “The award is specifically geared towards someone who’s made a difference in people’s lives, and it’s a deep honor to be recognized in that way.”
Guest Commentary | Love is a thread in our safety net – Santa Cruz Sentinel, November 2025
Love for humanity has propelled our work at the Community Foundation for more than 40 years. It grounds us in meeting today’s needs while never losing sight of tomorrow. Our permanent endowment works hand in hand with timely resources like the Greatest Needs Fund, established in 2021, to give people a simple, powerful way to meet urgent needs as they emerge — and it works. Community Bridges, Community Action Board and Catholic Charities, supporting families with food, shelter and financial assistance amidst immigration concerns.
Built for this moment: Community Bridges will be the light during these dark times – Lookout Santa Cruz, November 2025
For nearly 50 years, Community Bridges has served as the bridge between policy and people—a local safety net designed to fill the very gaps left when federal programs falter, and to help families navigate complex systems like Medi-Cal and CalFresh. In dark times, we do what we’ve always done: we become the light that guides our neighbors home. We were built for this moment. And with your partnership, we will not only endure—we will become even more essential to our local response.
Meals on Wheels, Grey Bears Partner to Expand Senior Nutrition Access – Times Publishing Group, November 2025
The shutdown may be over, but hunger still remains for thousands of older adults across Santa Cruz County. To strengthen the local safety net, Community Bridges’ Meals on Wheels and Grey Bears have joined forces to launch Delivering More Together: Complete Nutrition for Santa Cruz County Seniors.
The Giving Season: 72 ways to make our community a better place – Good Times, November 2025
Immigration & Medi-Cal Support Fund: Many local families risk losing health coverage simply because navigating complex systems alone is overwhelming. Our Family Resource Collective helps families navigate immigration concerns and access vital Medi-Cal coverage. Without support, parents risk losing healthcare for their children, missing deadlines, or facing preventable crises. Your gift funds one-on-one navigation, trusted legal referrals, and bilingual outreach. Your support will help reduce poverty and prevent homelessness by filling immediate gaps while building long-term stability.
Lend A Hand In Watsonville: Holiday Volunteer Opportunities Near You – Watsonville Patch, November 2025
Community Bridges supports seniors, families and youth across Santa Cruz County through services like meal delivery, food distributions and after-school and youth mentorship programs. Volunteers 18 and older can deliver Meals on Wheels routes, help at senior dining sites, assist with food distributions or tutor and mentor local students. Learn more: communitybridges.org/volunteer
Where your support matters most: 2025 Santa Cruz County nonprofits to watch – Lookout Santa Cruz, November 2025
As we look ahead to 2026, many of these nonprofits are launching bold new initiatives to meet growing needs and tackle the challenges our community faces. Year-end support is crucial to keeping these programs on track, allowing organizations to plan ahead, expand services and continue delivering real impact where it’s needed most. From small gestures to larger gifts, every act of support – whether a donation, volunteering, visiting or sharing their story with friends, family or colleagues – helps sustain their work and amplifies their reach.
County Agencies Scramble to Feed Hungry: Nutritional Assistance Programs Available Countywide – Times Publishing Group, November 2025
Tony Nunez, communications director for Community Bridges, said the problems really began in January. DOGE caused some disruptions, then immigration-related actions and fears caused some problems for food deliveries. Things got worse, he said, when Congress passed the Big Beautiful Bill in early summer. The shutdown, he said, exacerbated everything. “All of these things were kind of what we imagined would be a challenging time for people in the community who were supported by the government safety net,” he said. “We knew we had to be resilient.” Nunez said he expects 2026 to be even more challenging. “So we’re trying to prepare. We will continue our baseline services that will be more essential heading into next year.”
Community Bridges: Our commitment to our employees, mission and community – Lookout Santa Cruz, November 2025
For nearly 50 years, Community Bridges has served Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties with one unwavering purpose: to support families, older adults and vulnerable community members with dignity, compassion and care. From delivering meals to homebound seniors during the pandemic to helping families rebuild after wildfires, we have stood beside this community in its most difficult moments, helping more than 22,000 people each year access essential services that build stability, opportunity and hope.
Community Bridges’ Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County program and Grey Bears launch new help for seniors – Lookout Santa Cruz, November 2025
Amid a federal government shutdown that has disrupted food benefits, two local nonprofits are joining forces to help homebound seniors access both meals and grocery delivery. Community Bridges, which operates the Meals on Wheels program for Santa Cruz County, and Grey Bears, a nonprofit that provides services to older residents, are coming together to help vulnerable seniors with meals from the Meals on Wheels program and provide them with access at no cost to Grey Bears’ Healthy Food Program, which delivers bags of groceries.
The Editor’s Desk: Nov. 12 – Good Times, November 2025
In the face of the ongoing federal government shutdown and sweeping changes to national nutrition assistance policy, Community Bridges’ Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County and Grey Bears are launching a new project to bolster food and nutrition services for vulnerable older adults. This ensures that homebound older adults receive nutritious, ready-to-eat meals and gain access to Grey Bears’ Healthy Food Program, which delivers weekly grocery bags filled with fresh produce and pantry staples, at no cost.
Pair of local nonprofits unite to provide food assistance to Santa Cruz County seniors – Santa Cruz Sentinel, November 2025
Community Bridges’ Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County and Grey Bears have come together to launch the Delivering More Together: Complete Nutrition for Santa Cruz County Seniors program meant to ensure vulnerable older adults continue to have access to essential nutrition now and in the future. The partnership means that eligible Meals on Wheels participants will be automatically enrolled in Grey Bears’ Healthy Food Program, which offers weekly grocery bags filled with fresh produce and pantry staples. Depending on the location of participants, the bags are either made available for pickup or delivered directly to seniors’ homes.
40th annual Mountain Affair raises $28,500 for San Lorenzo Valley families – Press Banner, November 2025
The 40th Annual Mountain Affair was a resounding success, raising $28,500 to support Mountain Community Resources (MCR), the San Lorenzo Valley’s local family resource center founded by the community in 1982. Hosted on Oct. 24 at the Highlands Park Senior and Community Center, the sold-out event brought together 95 guests for an evening of fine dining, live music by Gary Blackburn and community celebration. Guests enjoyed a multi-course Italian feast by Barbara & Company Catering, local wines and a silent auction featuring local artisans and businesses. All funds raised will stay in the San Lorenzo Valley, directly supporting MCR’s essential programs—including food distribution, crisis counseling, disaster recovery and family support for more than 3,000 local residents each year.
Central Coast organizations stepping in during SNAP cuts—free food and discount guide – KSBW, November 2025
Nueva Vista Community Resources distributes food on the first and third Wednesdays of every month from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Pajaro mural highlighting community’s resilience nears completion – Santa Cruz Sentinel, November 2025
Driving down Salinas Road in Pajaro, motorists have undoubtedly seen some colorful and powerful artwork starting to take shape. An otherwise unadorned wall on the side of an industrial building next to Pajaro Food Center has become a canvas for artists at the Salinas-based youth art studio Hijos del Sol to paint images depicting common iconography of the Pajaro Valley. Spearheaded by Watsonville-based nonprofit Community Bridges, the mural is intended to highlight the resilience of the community of Pajaro in the wake of the 2023 Pajaro River levee breach and flood.
The Editor’s Desk: Nov. 5 – Good Times, November 2025
Community Bridges Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program remains fully funded and operational ensuring continued support for local families despite the ongoing federal government shutdown. While some federal nutrition programs—such as SNAP (CalFresh in California)—may experience delays or pauses in benefits starting November 1, WIC participants will continue to receive their benefits without interruption. All scheduled appointments will proceed as normal, and participants can continue to use their WIC cards for healthy food purchases. For more information: communitybridges.org/WIC.
Election 2025: Measure C takes slim lead in dueling Santa Cruz affordable housing plans – Lookout Santa Cruz, November 2025
In June 2023, the Santa Cruz City Council voted to officially hand the process to the public. Housing Santa Cruz County executive director Elaine Johnson led that process, who later selected a steering committee of about 10 people. Other political figures such as Housing Santa Cruz County board members Don Lane and Jane Barr, Democratic Central Committee chair Andrew Goldenkranz, Monterey Bay Economic Partnership community development director Matt Huerta, Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino and Santa Cruz YIMBY lead Janine Roeth were closely involved, too.
Where to find low-cost child care in Santa Cruz County after Head Start closure – Santa Cruz Local, October 2025
Limited spots are available in six preschools for children 2-5 years old operated by nonprofit Community Bridges in Ben Lomond, Freedom, Watsonville and two locations in the Beach Flats neighborhood of Santa Cruz. Programs are free or low-cost, based on income. Submit an application or see more information and contact details for each preschool.
Dónde encontrar guarderías de bajo coste en el condado de Santa Cruz tras el cierre de Head Start – Santa Cruz Local, October 2025
Hay plazas limitadas en seis centros preescolares para niños de 2 a 5 años gestionados por la organización sin ánimo de lucro Community Bridges en Ben Lomond, Freedom, Watsonville y dos ubicaciones en el barrio Beach Flats de Santa Cruz. Los programas son gratuitos o de bajo coste, en función de los ingresos. Envíe una solicitud o más información y los datos de contacto de cada centro preescolar.
News Briefs | Published Oct. 31, 2025 – Press Banner, October 2025
Community Bridges Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program remains fully funded and operational ensuring continued support for local families despite the ongoing federal government shutdown. While some federal nutrition programs—such as SNAP (CalFresh in California)—may experience delays or pauses in benefits starting Nov. 1, WIC participants will continue to receive their benefits without interruption. All scheduled appointments will proceed as normal, and participants can continue to use their WIC cards for healthy food purchases. Community Bridges WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy foods and referrals to community resources for low-income families with young children and pregnant or postpartum women.
Here’s where Santa Cruz County residents can access food when CalFresh benefits lapse – Santa Cruz Sentinel, October 2025
Nonprofit Community Bridges also runs a number of food, elderly and family service programs across the county. Spokesperson Tony Nuñez said the nonprofit’s Meals On Wheels program is not impacted by the government shutdown. The program offers free lunch meals on weekdays to adults age 60 years and older from four locations across the county. The dining sites include Highlands Park Senior Center at 8500 Highway 9 in Ben Lomond, London Nelson Community Center at 301 Center St. in Santa Cruz, Watsonville Senior Center at 114 E. Fifth St. in Watsonville and the Live Oak Senior Center at 1777 Capitola Road in Santa Cruz. All locations are open from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., except for the Live Oak Senior Center which is open from noon to 1 p.m.
How to get free food in Santa Cruz County as food stamps set to run dry – Santa Cruz Local, October 2025
According to state officials, the WIC program — which provides food and nutrition support for low-income women, infants and children — will not be affected in November. Tony Nuñez, communications manager for Community Bridges, the nonprofit that oversees the county’s WIC distribution, said funds are secured for the coming month but noted uncertainty if the shutdown continues.
Nonprofits in ‘crisis response’ as federal shutdown continues – The Pajaronian, October 2025
Losing food benefits would not only affect the people who depend on the funds. It would also have a cascading effect on grocery stores and farmers, because the recipients would be unable to spend as much, Nuñez said. And so, faced with multiple layers of financial uncertainty, nonprofits are looking to their donors for continued funding. According to Nuñez, more than 31% of Community Bridges’ Meals on Wheels funds comes from donations. “Without those donations, we would not be able to serve as many people as we do,” he said.
Federal shutdown could leave 35,000 Santa Cruz County residents without CalFresh as food banks brace for surging need – Lookout Santa Cruz, October 2025
Community Bridges spokesperson Tony Nuñez said the organization is continuing to administer the federal Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program benefits and assistance, which the federal government has continued to fund through the shutdown. Community Bridges, through WIC, provides food, breastfeeding support and education to about 550 pregnant women, 800 breastfeeding women, 1,100 infants and 3,800 children under 5 each month.
“Puentes para Familias”: un nuevo programa brinda apoyo a hogares afectados por detenciones migratorias – Univision, October 2025
Cuando un padre o madre es detenido por autoridades migratorias, la familia entera entra en crisis: se pierde el ingreso principal, la estabilidad y, en muchos casos, el techo y la comida en la mesa. Ante esta realidad, la organización Puentes de la Comunidad decidió actuar y crear un fondo de emergencia para apoyar a las familias en su momento más difícil. El nuevo programa, llamado “Puentes para Familias”, ofrece hasta dos mil quinientos dólares por hogar para cubrir gastos urgentes como renta, servicios básicos, cuidado infantil y fianzas migratorias.
Community Bridges launches emergency fund for families facing immigration detention and separation – Lookout Santa Cruz, October 2025
Amid the Trump administration’s ongoing immigration crackdown, Santa Cruz County nonprofit Community Bridges has launched a new emergency family aid fund that aims to provide up to $2,500 to households facing the detention of or separation from a loved one. “The detention of a parent or caregiver creates havoc for the entire family. Children face disrupted schooling, caregivers struggle to pay rent, and households lose the very person who provided for them,” Raymon Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges, said in a news release. “Our goal isn’t to replace every dollar lost — we can’t — but we can alleviate some of the immediate worry while families regroup.”
The Editor’s Desk – Good Work – Good Times, October 2025
With the rise of families being split up and deported, Community Bridges is stepping in to support local families with Puentes Para Familias, a new Emergency Family Aid Fund. The fund, created with generous seed funding from Sunlight Giving, provides up to $2,500 per household to help families bridge financial gaps while they reorganize and make longer-term plans.
WIC assistance program continues through government shutdown, California sues Trump administration – KAZU 90.3, October 2025
In today’s newscast, local nonprofit Community Bridges says the federal Women, Infants and Children (WIC) assistance program will continue through November, even if the government stays shutdown. And, California and more than 20 other states sue the Trump Administration for withholding SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
Watsonville Gives Back: How To Make A Difference This Season And Beyond – Watsonville Patch, October 2025
La Manzana Community Resources provides bilingual, bicultural support to help Pajaro Valley families access necessary resources for health and well-being. Its services range from mental health counseling and parent education to housing navigation, emergency preparedness and benefits enrollment, ensuring equitable access to care.
Santa Cruz leaders confront looming service gap as key homeless program ends – Santa Cruz Local, October 2025
Santa Cruz County Supervisor Justin Cummings said the closure’s timing is especially unfortunate given how many other local services for homeless people have ended or will soon be closing. Community Bridges’ shower, laundry and hygiene services at Mountain Community Resources ended July 1, and Mental Health Client Action Network, which provided general peer mental health support, closed abruptly in September. Downtown Streets Team, which provided case management, outreach and employment support to homeless residents, will also be closing at the end of this month.
Guest Commentary | Community Bridges still standing with Pajaro 30 months after flood – Santa Cruz Sentinel, October 2025
In total, Community Bridges has overseen the investment of more than $5 million in direct economic aid and supportive services for Pajaro residents since the flood. Every one of those dollars represents trust from our partners, funders and neighbors who refused to let Pajaro recover alone. This recovery would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of our DCM and Family Resource Collective (FRC) teams. From the first hours after the levee broke to the final case now being closed, they have shown extraordinary compassion, skill and endurance — meeting families where they are, often in moments of deepest loss.
Exclusive: Funding for safety net services is evaporating in Santa Cruz County. Can local nonprofits soften the blow? – Santa Cruz Sentinel, October 2025
Nuñez said what makes him hopeful is some of the outside-the-box thinking and innovative strategies that are arising out of the current chaos. “We’re trying to address some of the challenges by being strategic and by expanding services, knowing that we can’t stay doing the same thing we are currently doing and expect that we are going to simply survive,” he said. “There needs to be change, there needs to be partnership, there needs to be innovation.”
Watsonville High School sees mass student absence after stabbing and threats – KSBW, October 2025
The incidents raise questions about what led one teen to stab another teen and a security guard on Thursday morning, followed by another student being assaulted by three classmates. Just last week, a 17-year-old allegedly brandished a gun on campus. “It’s a mix of the parents’ ability to be there for them it’s a mix of whether or not they have the support system around them and the mentors that they need right outside of their family, outside of their friends, but the people are looking out for them in their best interests and guiding them to the right sort of things in life,” said Tony Nunez, spokesman for the non-profit Community Bridges. For years Community Bridges has been providing services to families and teens in need, including mental health counseling, after-school programs, referrals, and behavioral health services.
CalFresh benefits in Santa Cruz County may face disruptions due to government shutdown – KSBW, October 2025
The county works closely with organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank and Community Bridges, which also help thousands of families. “We want to make sure that people are not afraid of using those benefits now until those benefits run out. We want people to access those services because they’re going to need every bit of support. We know that a lot of programs are going to be cut and are going to have changes in the coming new year,” said a representative from one of the organizations.
Mayor’s Message | Choosing a Santa Cruz that works for everyone – Santa Cruz Sentinel, October 2025
The breadth of support behind this measure is a testament to what’s possible when we come together. The Workforce Housing Affordability Act is endorsed by an incredible coalition of organizations, advocates and community leaders such as: Abode Housing Development, Affordable Housing NOW, Bay Area Municipal Elections Committee, Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action, Community Bridges, Santa Cruz County Democratic Party, Democratic Women’s Club of Santa Cruz County, Eden Housing, Equity Transit, Housing for the People, Housing Matters, Housing Santa Cruz County, Housing Trust Silicon Valley, Indivisible Santa Cruz County…
El cierre federal amenaza el programa de ayuda alimentaria para miles de niños del condado de Santa Cruz – Santa Cruz Local, October 2025
El Programa Especial de Nutrición Suplementaria para Mujeres, Bebés y Niños, o WIC, proporciona educación nutricional, apoyo a la lactancia materna, pañales gratuitos y dinero para leche de fórmula para bebés, frutas, verduras, huevos y otros alimentos básicos. Pueden optar a él las mujeres embarazadas con bajos ingresos y las familias con niños de hasta cinco años. WIC es un programa financiado con fondos federales con tres oficinas en el condado de Santa Cruz que podrían sentir los efectos del cierre.
Federal shutdown threatens food assistance program for thousands of children in Santa Cruz County – Santa Cruz Local, October 2025
Research has suggested participating in WIC is linked with better health outcomes for infants and children — including healthier birth weights, lower infant mortality and higher cognitive scores in early childhood. “If this program were to shut down for any significant amount of time, it’d be a huge impact to the people that we serve,” said Tony Nuñez, a spokesman for local nonprofit Community Bridges, which administers WIC in Santa Cruz County. “It means all of these families that we serve, these 5,500 folks — who are some of the most vulnerable people in our community — are not going to have the services that they rely on to make ends meet.”
PG&E, Watsonville service providers to host resource fair Friday – Santa Cruz Sentinel, October 2025
Pacific Gas and Electric has partnered up with local nonprofit Community Bridges and the city of Watsonville to host a utility and resource fair aimed at helping local residents struggling with monthly expenses, including energy bills and housing and food costs. PG&E plans to share energy resources and offer one-on-one bill reviews while also connecting qualified customers to financial assistance programs such as monthly discounts for income-qualified households. Small business support will also be provided, according to the release.
LOCAL Closer Look: Community Bridges Senior Services – K-LOVE, October 2025
Kindra Ponzio talks with Ray Cancino, Ceo, Community Bridges, Santa Cruz, CA. Community bridges serves 3 cols by providing Senior services, including free ride service to an from treatments or Dr appts, inside and outside the area. Cancino shares that they use volunteers to deliver meals on wheels and also have a congregant meal everyday as well. He says they also have an adult day care for respite for families with adults that have disabilities.
Report: 21,000 Santa Cruz County residents could lose health insurance by 2028 – Santa Cruz Local, October 2025
Between new work requirements in the federal budget bill and California budget cuts for unauthorized immigrants, more than 21,000 Santa Cruz County residents could lose Medi-Cal coverage by 2028, according to a report presented by county staff last week. Medi-Cal is a state version of Medicaid, the federal safety-net health insurance for people with the lowest incomes. “People are not going to get the care that they need in order to be at work, at school and everywhere else,” said Tony Nunez, a spokesman for local nonprofit Community Bridges.
40 years of community strength: The Mountain Affair Celebrates a Legacy of Neighbors Helping Neighbors – Santa Cruz Local, October 2025
When disaster struck the San Lorenzo Valley in 2020, Tonje Switzer didn’t hesitate. Even as her own home was consumed by flames during the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, she was in the Pogonip area, distributing evacuation maps and fire updates to ensure unhoused neighbors made it to safety. Her resilience, generosity, bravery, and community leadership all exemplify the Valley’s spirit—and they are the key reasons she has been chosen as this year’s recipient of the Green Heart Award, an honor named for Mountain Community Resources’ late founder, Mary Hammer. This year, we are proud to recognize Tonje Switzer as the 2025 recipient. Tonje, the former operations manager of the Community Bridges Family Resource Collective and current Executive Director of the Long-Term Recovery Group of Santa Cruz County, will be honored with this award at the 40th Annual Mountain Affair on Friday, October 24, from 6:30–9:30 p.m. at Highlands Park Senior & Community Center in Ben Lomond.
County Supervisors Hear About Cuts Coming From OBBBA – Good Times, October 2025
Tony Nuñez, who serves both as spokesman for Community Bridges and Board Chair of Pajaro Valley Health Care District, said that fewer people will have access to health insurance, but will still seek medical care in emergency rooms, leaving hospitals to foot the bills. “That sets off a real awful chain of impacts,” he said. “Insurance rates will likely go up. As a result, some services will be cut from health care providers. Access will be lost for people across the county, and people will suffer. People are going to be less healthy, people are not going to get the care they need in order to be at work, at school and everywhere else they need to be.”
Mountain Affair celebrates 40 years of support and resilience in San Lorenzo Valley community – Press Banner, October 2025
What began as a grassroots effort to help San Lorenzo Valley families in need has grown into one of the Valley’s most cherished traditions: The Mountain Affair. This year, Community Bridges’ Mountain Community Resources (MCR) will host the 40th Annual Mountain Affair on Friday, Oct. 24, from 6:30-9:30pm at Highlands Park Senior and Community Center in Ben Lomond. Proceeds from the evening support Mountain Community Resources, which provides more than 3,000 San Lorenzo Valley residents each year with access to essential services and a trusted place to turn when times get tough.
Thousands will lose health, food benefits under OBBBA – The Pajaronian, September 2025
Tony Nuñez, who serves both as spokesman for Community Bridges and Board Chair of Pajaro Valley Health Care District, said that fewer people will have access to health insurance, but will still seek medical care in emergency rooms, leaving hospitals to foot the bills. “That sets off a real awful chain of impacts,” he said. “Insurance rates will likely go up. As a result, some services will be cut from health care providers. Access will be lost for people across the county, and people will suffer. People are going to be less healthy, people are not going to get the care they need in order to be at work, at school and everywhere else they need to be.”
Hijos del Sol mural taking shape in Pajaro – The Pajaronian, October 2025
Community Bridges has chosen Hijos del Sol of Salinas to design and create a new mural in the heart of Pajaro on a wall on the 400 block of Salinas Road. Community bridges stated in a press release that the work will portray “a lasting symbol of resilience, unity, and cultural pride for Pajaro Valley residents, many of whom are still recovering from the devastating 2023 flood.”
Here’s how the federal shutdown is affecting Santa Cruz County governments, schools and nonprofits – Lookout Santa Cruz, October 2025
Tony Nuñez, marketing and communications manager at Watsonville-based Community Bridges, told Lookout the organization doesn’t expect to see immediate impacts on the federally funded programs it offers to residents, such as Women, Infants and Children (WIC), which helps provide nutrition education, breastfeeding support, healthy food through EBT cards and health care referrals for low- to moderate-income families. The best-case scenario, said Nuñez, is that the shutdown will last only a few days, so nonprofits like Community Bridges are able to provide uninterrupted services to the people who rely heavily on their programs. Things were less certain if the shutdown were to last more than 30 days, he said.
How does a federal shutdown impact Santa Cruz County? – Santa Cruz Sentinel, October 2025
Ray Cancino — CEO of Community Bridges, which administers the local Women, Infants and Children program — said if the flow of federal funding is stopped for more than 30 days, problems would surface. “That means that, depending on the length of the federal shutdown, (it) will result in a potential not only loss of services and furloughing of staff, but potentially losing coupons and food for over 6,000 community members that rely on (the program),” said Cancino.
The Editor’s Desk, Oct. 2, 2025 – Good Times, October 2025
What began as a grassroots effort to help San Lorenzo Valley families in need has grown into one of the Valley’s most cherished traditions: The Mountain Affair. This year, Community Bridges’ Mountain Community Resources (MCR) will host the 40th Annual Mountain Affair at 6:30–9:30pm on Oct. 24 at Highlands Park Senior & Community Center. Chef Marina Camarlinghi of Barbara & Company Catering will present an Italian-themed menu crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients, paired with wines from Alfaro Family Vineyards. Tickets at communitybridges.org.
Cabrillo College, UCSC break ground on joint housing project after last-minute deal to save state funding – Lookout Santa Cruz, September 2025
The project, named Costa Vista, will have three buildings across 257,000 square feet next to the college’s softball fields. A total of 376 beds (60%) will be available for Cabrillo students, and the remaining 248 beds (40%) will be for UCSC students. Costa Vista will also have a child care center run by Community Bridges and offer spaces for 50 to 64 infants, toddlers and preschoolers between 6 months and 3 years old.
Final phase of flood relief assistance for Pajaro residents to begin in October – Santa Cruz Sentinel, September 2025
In October, Monterey County’s Pajaro Unmet Needs Disaster Assistance Program will be accepting applications for its third and final phase of disaster relief funding for Pajaro residents impacted by the 2023 Pajaro River levee breach, the county announced in a news release Monday. In March 2023, a significant amount of heavy rainfall caused the aging Pajaro River levee to breach, which resulted in damage to many homes and businesses in the community of Pajaro and caused more than 3,000 residents to be displaced.
Pajaro residents to receive final phase of disaster relief – Monterey Herald, September 2025
“Two years after the devastating floods, Pajaro families are still rebuilding their lives. This final phase ensures that residents who were impacted receive every last available dollar afforded to them through AB 102,” Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino said in a statement. “Our staff will be proactively reaching out to households who qualified before, but we encourage anyone who has changed their contact information or relocated to let us know right away.”
Advocates propose three laws to support Santa Cruz County immigrants – Santa Cruz Local, September 2025
The Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County has a fund that collects donations to distribute to nonprofits working with immigrants, including the Community Action Board, Catholic Charities, and Community Bridges. The welcoming network also accepts donations.
Watsonville leaders say controversial plan to expand license plate readers won’t undermine city’s sanctuary status – Lookout Santa Cruz, September 2025
However, Raymon Cancino, CEO of nonprofit Community Bridges, says residents are spot-on with their concerns. “When you make policy choices like this, regardless of what your reasoning and justification is, it erodes the public trust,” he said. Cancino said he understands the city’s argument of using a tech-based solution to address crime in Watsonville, but at the same time elected officials have to weigh the other reality that it will hurt their relationship with the community. “It’s going to result in people not feeling safe,” he said.
Guest Commentary | Why Community Bridges joined the fight against federal funding threats – Santa Cruz Sentinel, September 2025
Community Bridges cannot stand by in silence. With the support of our Board of Directors, we joined six other nonprofits and associations across California in an amicus brief urging the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals to uphold a preliminary injunction blocking these executive orders. The brief, led by the Asian Law Caucus and Cooley LLP, represents hundreds of organizations that feed the hungry, care for elders, provide behavioral health services and create safe spaces for vulnerable families. Together, we are united in saying: these dollars do not belong to any administration. They belong to the people, and they must be invested in the wellbeing of our communities, not hijacked as tools of division.
Community Bridges, Hijos del Sol Partner to Bring Landmark Mural to Pajaro – Times Publishing Group, September 2025
Hijos del Sol has been chosen by Community Bridges to design and create an inspiring landmark mural in the heart of Pajaro. A portion of the expected look of the mural The mural, made possible by funding from California Assembly Bill 102, will transform a prominent wall on the 400 block of Salinas Road into a lasting symbol of resilience, unity, and cultural pride for Pajaro Valley residents, many of whom are still recovering from the devastating 2023 flood.
Five years after CZU, Bonny Doon Elementary lost students, but found a renewed purpose in healing – Lookout Santa Cruz, September 2025
Nonprofit Community Bridges set up a mobile laundromat at the school, and Cruzio Internet installed Wi-Fi because all the power lines had burned. Anyone in the community was welcome to use those services. That included middle and high school students from other school districts who were stuck at home doing remote learning because the pandemic had closed their classrooms.
Joint Cabrillo-UCSC student housing project to finally break ground this month – Lookout Santa Cruz, September 2025
The college and the Cabrillo College Foundation are raising about $4.5 million for the facility construction costs. Once it’s built, nonprofit Community Bridges will manage the child care services.
Community Bridges joins amicus brief challenging Trump orders – Good Times, September 2025
Earlier this year, President Donald Trump ordered federal agencies to withhold federal funding from local governments that did not cooperate with his mass deportation agenda. The governments, along with a host of advocacy groups, challenged the executive orders, arguing that Trump lacks constitutional authority to impose such sweeping conditions. In April, U.S. District Judge William Orrick in San Francisco agreed, and issued a preliminary injunction blocking the orders, saying that the threat to strip billions in funding was an unconstitutional “coercive threat.” Community Bridges has now joined six other California nonprofits in filing an amicus brief urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to block the Trump Administration’s efforts.
Watsonville nonprofit Community Bridges supports blockage of Trump orders – Santa Cruz Sentinel, August 2025
Community Bridges, a Watsonville-based nonprofit, has joined six California nonprofit associations in filing an amicus brief in support of an injunction that blocks the Trump administration from withholding funds from sanctuary jurisdictions. The executive orders, originally issued by Trump in January and February, expand the federal government’s enforcement of immigration law, including withholding funding from sanctuary jurisdictions — areas that, in some way, limit the federal government’s ability to enforce immigration statutes.
Community Bridges, Allies File Amicus Brief Against Trump Sanctuary City Orders – Indy Bay, August 2025
Community Bridges announced today that it has joined six other leading California nonprofit organizations and associations in filing an amicus brief urging the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit to block the Trump Administration’s latest attempt to withhold federal funding from sanctuary jurisdictions.
Watsonville City Council OKs first Public Art Master Plan – Santa Cruz Sentinel, August 2025
The arts legacy chapter details the ways that local art preserves Watsonville’s local heritage, exemplifies its shared values and shapes its future. These include “authentic and community driven expression” such as Kathleen Crocetti’s 12,500-square-foot mural painted on the side of the Civic Plaza parking garage in 2024, and the celebration of the city’s agricultural heritage, diverse traditions and shared identity, as reflected in the murals on the walls of Community Bridges and Tabasa Gardens.
Community Bridges of Santa Cruz County fears funding impact to families – KION, August 2025
Community Bridges of Santa Cruz County is joining the effort to denounce Trump Administration’s attempts to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities. Some of that funding could impact the non profit’s efforts to provide essential programs, such as food assistance, senior nutrition, disability services, child care and more. They’re also saying that the fear created by immigration enforcement is preventing immigrant families from seeking help. Community Bridges of Santa Cruz County saying that “these dollars belong to the people.”
Community Bridges joins brief in lawsuit against Trump order withholding funds from sanctuary cities – Lookout Santa Cruz, August 2025
Santa Cruz County nonprofit Community Bridges and six other Bay Area and health organizations are backing a lawsuit against two executive orders by President Donald Trump seeking to withhold funding from sanctuary cities. The organizations filed an amicus brief in the case, showing how the loss of funds affects their ability to provide services from food assistance and senior nutrition to disability services and child care. Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino said in a news release that the federal government’s slashing of the funds is a “direct assault on local self-determination and the people” they serve.
How Enhanced Care Management transforms lives—and could change yours – Lookout Santa Cruz, August 2025
When Celia, a 45-year-old farmworker in Central California, was discharged from the hospital after five months of life-threatening complications, she returned home confused, in pain, and unsure how to care for her open surgical wound. She didn’t understand her treatment instructions, missed key appointments, and struggled with breathing. On top of it all, she spoke primarily Mixteco Bajo and had no reliable access to transportation, groceries, or follow-up care. But then, she was connected to Lizbeth—a dedicated care manager through Community Bridges’ Enhanced Care Management (ECM) program.
The Buzz 08.21.25 – Monterey County Weekly, August 2025
For those with disabilities, getting from point A to point B can be a difficult task, especially if they are unable to drive themselves. Lift Line, a program of nonprofit Community Bridges, provides rides for income-eligible people for medical appointments and other places. But until now, only those who qualified could access the service.
Citywide arts plan to go before Watsonville Parks and Rec Commission – Santa Cruz Sentinel, August 2025
The plan highlighted two examples of the latter item. The first is Guillermo “Yermo” Aranda’s “Societies Light: Acknowledging and Empowering Womyn” mural on the side of Community Bridges’ Women, Infants & Children center at West Lake Avenue. The public artwork honors the history of women in the Pajaro Valley from Indigenous women to Mexican American mothers and their role in the Watsonville Cannery Strike.
LETTERS – Week of August 7 – Good Times, August 2025
Community Bridges’ Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program will host its 18th Annual Breastfeeding Walk & Health Fair on Thursday, August 7, from 1 to 4pm at Laurel Park, Santa Cruz. The event celebrates World Breastfeeding Week by raising awareness about breastfeeding and the services available to families through Community Bridges WIC Program and other key health partners.
Santa Cruz County sheriff to cut ties with federal grant program – Santa Cruz Sentinel, August 2025
“This should serve as both a cautionary tale and a learning opportunity for the County to thoroughly review all programs and services that involve federal partnerships,” Cancino, who is also a member of the Santa Cruz County Immigration Coalition, wrote in an email. “I am deeply thankful for the Sheriff’s Office and the County’s comprehensive review and their firm stance in prioritizing public safety and community policing practices.”
Santa Cruz County public defender wants more immigration lawyers – Santa Cruz Local, July 2025
Community Bridges Executive Director Ray Cancino said that was a good start, but county investment in immigrant services shouldn’t stop there. “We need to invest the dollars equally in terms of the measured impact that we hope to see in our community, and not be fixated on performative measures or performative investments,” Cancino said.
Community Bridges WIC celebrates 18th Annual Breastfeeding Walk & Health Fair in Santa Cruz – Lookout Santa Cruz, July 2025
18th Annual Breastfeeding Walk & Health Fair on Thursday, August 7, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Laurel Park, 301 Center St., Santa Cruz. This year’s event will transition from Watsonville to Santa Cruz, bringing the community together to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week and raise awareness about the importance of breastfeeding.
Breastfeeding Walk & Health Fair come to Laurel Park Aug. 7 – Lookout Santa Cruz, July 2025
Community Bridges is hosting its 18th annual Breastfeeding Walk & Health Fair in Santa Cruz on Thursday, Aug. 7 in Laurel Park. The event, hosted by Community Bridges’ Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, aims to celebrate World Breastfeeding Week and raise awareness about breastfeeding and the available services for families through Community Bridges’ WIC Program and its health partners.
Mothers’ Milk Bank California Hosts 16 Milk Drives — 14 In‑Person & 2 Virtual Events Across California and Nevada During National Breastfeeding Awareness Month 2025 – Finance Content, July 2025
In recognition of National Breastfeeding Awareness Month, Mothers’ Milk Bank California (MMBCA) is hosting 16 milk drives across California and Nevada—including 14 in-person events and 2 virtual drives—to make it easier for families to donate lifesaving breast milk and help meet the growing need for medically fragile infants.
Five years after the fires wiped out hundreds of homes, local organizations continue to support CZU fire recovery – Good Times, July 2025
In 2023, the organization obtained nonprofit status to formalize their efforts. They work with the county’s Office of Response, Recovery and Resilience, which was also formed in the wake of CZU. Partner organizations include Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, Catholic Charities Monterey Bay, Community Bridges, Habitat for Humanity, and Valley Churches United. Representatives of these organizations form part of the Long-Term Recovery Group’s Unmet Needs Committee, which identifies residents still needing assistance with recovery.
Santa Cruz health, school leaders warn of care crisis after Planned Parenthood clinic shuts down – Lookout Santa Cruz, July 2025
Community Bridges is a nonprofit organization that provides a wide range of services from senior health and transportation, nutrition programs and comprehensive care for Medical holders with complex needs in centers across the county. Nuñez said, as it is, access to health care for residents in Santa Cruz is a serious problem. “Health care is already a challenge in this county,” he said. “When these clinics close down, the access to health care continues to dwindle and that’s a concern.”
Community Bridges and Grey Bears strengthen partnership to combat senior hunger amid rising need – Lookout Santa Cruz, July 2025
Two of Santa Cruz County’s longest-standing senior-serving nonprofits—Community Bridges’ Meals on Wheels and Grey Bears—are partnering to address a growing issue: thousands of older adults in our area are going hungry. Together, the nonprofits aim to help elders access nutritious food and social connection. The organizations are working to conduct wellness checks, deliver weekly grocery bags and carry out visits across the county.
Brickley’s accessibility revolution | Ross Eric Gibson, Local History – Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 2025
At Brickley’s urging, the nonprofit Volunteer Services of Santa Cruz joined the transit board to create specially adapted vans for the impaired and elderly. This would become known as Lift Line. Then the project to have lifts installed on buses hit a snag when the lifts were found to be at a dangerous angle. Yet over the objections of many, it was finally decided to buy the buses anyway so the industry couldn’t use this as an excuse that lifts on buses don’t work.
Bill enacted by Congress will strip coverage from millions – Good Times, July 2025
The cuts will mean that many people will face longer wait times and fewer providers, and millions of people will go without regular care, flooding emergency rooms with preventable crises. In addition, healthcare costs will rise for everyone, Cancino said. ‘We should all be clear-eyed about what this moment represents,” he said. “It is the cost of apathy. It is a painful reminder that when we fail to vote with our values—not just in California, but across the country—we leave our most vulnerable neighbors exposed to decisions made without compassion or foresight.”
Guest Commentary | Community Bridges and Grey Bears work to feed hope – Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 2025
In Santa Cruz County, Grey Bears and Meals on Wheels of Santa Cruz County, with a combined century of service, have worked to fill senior bellies and hearts by bringing a feast to fit every senior’s needs. Together, these two organizations are setting the table — literally and figuratively — for thousands of older adults across our region. Think of our approach like a beloved community potluck: Grey Bears delivers fresh greens, produce, and pantry staples; Meals on Wheels serves up the hot meals and daily visits. The key ingredient in it all: The unwavering support of our community.
Health providers sound alarm on OBBBA – The Pajaronian, July 2025
Community Bridges spokesman Tony Nuñez said he is “utterly devastated” by passage of the bill, and the fact that “not even four Republicans in the House had the courage to stand up and stop the ‘Big Disastrous Bill’ from passing.” The reality, he said, is that an estimated 17 million Americans will lose their healthcare coverage, and that devastating cuts—totaling nearly $300 billion over the next decade—will gut SNAP, the nation’s most vital food assistance program.
Human Rights Are Not Conditional: Defending Our Immigrant Neighbors – The Pajaronian, June 2025
We must do better. The promise of this country is not reserved for the few. It is rooted in the belief that all people are created equal, and that every individual is entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. These rights are not earned through labor. They are not conditional upon immigration status. They are inherent.
Guest Commentary | Federal budget bill not what people want – or our community needs – Santa Cruz Sentinel, June 2025
At the heart of this bill are deep, calculated cuts to SNAP (CalFresh in California) and Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) — programs that millions of Americans rely on for survival across red and blue states. These aren’t fringe services. They’re foundational. The bill would expand work requirements for food aid, eliminate coverage for millions through Medicaid rollbacks, and scale back support for older adults who are already stretched thin. It’s not just a policy shift — it’s a dismantling of the safety net that holds families, seniors and communities like ours together.
A community remembers Mike Rotkin – Lookout Santa Cruz, June 2025
I first met Mike Rotkin on a dusty softball field at UCSC in the early 1970s. He was a hell of a third baseman — quick hands, sharp instincts — and he hit clean, mean line drives that always found the gaps. We became fast friends, bonding over Dylan lyrics as easily as softball and politics. We both knew every word to “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right,” and sang it like it was gospel — our version of prayer. We were both activists. Mike cheered my board at Food & Nutrition Services, which is now Community Bridges. I was the executive director.
Measure N Milestones: Transparency, Progress, and Community Impact – The Pajaronian, June 2025
Raymon Cancino
Royal Oaks Resident | Nonprofit Executive | Policy and Fiscal Expert
Ray is the CEO of Community Bridges, a leading nonprofit in the region. A graduate with a Master’s in Public Policy, Raymon brings over a decade of experience in fiscal oversight and community health leadership.
La Manzana’s Summer Lunch Program Returns – Growing Up in Santa Cruz, June 2025
The annual Summer Lunch program, sponsored by La Manzana Community Resources (LMCR), a program of Community Bridges’ Family Resource Collective, will kick off on June 9. Kids 18 and younger can pick up a free lunch at various sites in Santa Cruz and Watsonville through early-August. Most Watsonville sites will distribute lunches through August 8.
Tickets on sale for Community Bridges benefit – Santa Cruz Sentinel, June 2025
Tickets are available for the 10th annual Community Bridges Farm to Fork Gala, June 28 at Seascape Golf Club (610 Clubhouse Drive). Attendees will enjoy a multi-course meal, wine and live and silent auctions. Tickets are $150 per person at communitybridges.org/events. Event proceeds support 10 Community Bridges programs, which serve more than 20,000 local children, families and seniors.
Pajaro Valley Collaborative’s ‘call to action’ – The Pajaronian, June 2025
If cuts to food assistance programs proposed under President Donald Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” are approved by the U.S. Senate, it would cripple the food distribution system that local organizations have spent decades building, and upon which thousands Santa Cruz County residents rely. That was the message Monday from Pajaro Valley Collaborative, a group of nonprofit organizations that gathered at Second Harvest Food Bank (SHFB) for a “call to action” to the community, asking everyone to call their elected leaders and demand that they fight passage of the bill. “The proposal before the Senate is not just a budgetary decision, it’s a moral one,” said Community Bridges spokesman Tony Nuñez.
Pajaro Valley Collaborative warns of impact of proposed food assistance program cuts – Santa Cruz Sentinel, June 2025
Nunez-Palomino said Community Bridges has its own food assistance programs like Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County, which he said is also feeling the impacts of inflation and a $70,000 reduction in county funding. This has resulted in an average of 18 applications every week and the program implementing its first-ever waitlist. “If SNAP is cut, demand will surge even more,” he said. “And we may be forced to take an unthinkable step: disenrolling seniors who currently depend on us.”
Name Dropping | Community Foundation Santa Cruz County awards $2 million to 100 local nonprofits – Santa Cruz Sentinel, June 2025
Through its annual Community Grants program, Community Foundation Santa Cruz County awarded $2 million to 100 local nonprofits. Community grants are supporting safety net providers of food, shelter, and health care, including Dientes, Community Bridges, Housing Matters, Pajaro Valley Shelter Services, Santa Cruz Community Health and Second Harvest Food Bank.
Pajaro Valley Collaborative rally Monday to raise awareness about SNAP budget cuts – KION, June 2025
Pajaro Valley leaders are holding a rally on Monday calling for other local leaders to push-back on proposed federal cuts to the SNAP program. They say the effects it could have on local farms could be detrimental. The event is being organized by the Pajaro Valley Collaborative and will feature speakers from Second Harvest Food Bank, Community Bridges and the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau.
A decade of impact: Farm to Fork celebrates 10 years of community connections – Lookout Santa Cruz, June 2025
What started as a simple idea—to bring people together focused on highlighting the local produce and a shared purpose—has grown into a powerful tradition that has fueled lasting change across the Central Coast. On Saturday, June 28, 2025, Community Bridges will host its 10th Annual Farm to Fork Gala & Auction at Seascape Golf Club in Aptos. This milestone event marks a decade of celebrating local food, fine wine, and community impact—and you’re invited.
Dozens of Santa Cruz County community organizers head to Sacramento to lobby against Newsom Medi-Cal cuts – Lookout Santa Cruz, June 2025
As budget season continues for both state and local governments, a group of about 100 local organizers, advocates and volunteer leaders are traveling to Sacramento on Monday to urge lawmakers to reject Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposed new restrictions on Medi-Cal, which would have serious implications for undocumented immigrants.
Lookout in the Community: Can’t miss events this June – Lookout Santa Cruz, June 2025
The 10th Annual Farm to Fork Gala commemorates Community Bridges’ mission to deliver vital resources across Santa Cruz County and Monterey Bay Area. Funds from this event directly impact the lives of more than 20,000 local children and families. A locally sourced seasonal gourmet menu will be provided, along with an energetic live silent auction. Celebrate these incredible achievements and donate to an important cause on Saturday, June 28 at the Seascape Golf Club.
Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust to raise funds for those needing food assistance – Santa Cruz Sentinel, May 2025
The Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust is gearing up for a digital campaign aimed at providing healthy, harvested seafood to those needing food assistance. Starting June 9, the Fisheries Trust will kick off the 2025 Week of Seafood Giving, with a goal of raising $5,000 for the Community Seafood Program. In addition, thanks to a private supporter, all donations up to $5,000 will be matched, doubling the impact and the number of meals donated. The donation page can be found on the Monterey Bay Fisheries Trust website at montereybayfisheriestrust.org. Donations can be made online June 9-15.
New Pajaro CERT team first to receive emergency training in Spanish – Salinas Californian, May 2025
As the primary driver of the initiative, Monterey County emergency staff collaborated with the Santa Cruz Auxiliary CERT team who conducted the training and Community Bridges, a nonprofit partner, who hosted the event and promoted the program. Community Bridges also provided a $500 stipend to each participant to cover expenses for the training conducted over three consecutive Sundays in March.
Infant death at unlicensed daycare highlights Central Coast childcare crisis – KSBW, May 2025
The death of a 3-month-old infant at an unlicensed daycare facility on the 100 block of Hillcrest in Royal Oaks shines a light on a lack of childcare on the Central Coast. “It’s also a symptom of the need of affordable child care I mean, we have, only about 15% of, of the folks that need childcare in Monterey county have access to it, the remaining folks in the county are struggling to find, you know, child care,” said Ray Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges of Santa Cruz county. The non-profit operates state-subsidized childcare, but they have a waiting list of more than 60 parents. On top of that, the state has put a freeze on issuing more spots for nonprofits, and lawmakers now want to eliminate cost-of-living increases for early education instructors.
The Editor’s Desk – Good Work – Good Times, May 2025
The annual Summer Lunch program, sponsored by La Manzana Community Resources, a program of Community Bridges’ Family Resource Collective, kicks off June 9. Kids 18 and under can pick up a free lunch at various sites in Santa Cruz and Watsonville through early August. Most Watsonville sites will distribute lunches through Aug. 8. Through Community Bridges (communitybridges.org), the Summer Lunch program has served 20,000 meals over the last three years. It is estimated that more than 30 million children across the U.S. depend on free meal programs such as these that are more critical when the traditional sources in schools are closed for summer.
Pajaro residents get certified in disaster response as the town’s infrastructure upgrades continue – Monterey County Weekly, May 2025
Each graduate of the program was given a green CERT backpack, a two-way radio, a green CERT helmet, a helmet flashlight, a yellow vest with a CERT patch, gloves, a surgical N95 respirator, goggles, a trauma dressing hemorrhage bandage, duct tape, a radio, a glow stick, a CERT operational guide booklet, Narcan, and a gas and water shut-off wrench. Community Bridges hosted the program, and each participant received a $500 stipend.
Pajaro residents train for disaster response after floods – KSBW, May 2025
Pajaro residents, who have suffered from two devastating floods in just over a year, are now training to be first responders in future natural disasters. Two dozen people who lived through the floods are the first to complete a 22-hour Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training, taught entirely in Spanish—a first for the region.
Free summer lunch program returns to students on June 9 – KION, May 2025
La Manzana Community Resources (LMCR), a program of Community Bridges’ Family Resource Collective, is bringing back their annual Summer Lunch program starting June 9th. Kids 18 and younger can pick up free lunches from 12-1pm Monday through Friday at the sites listed below.
California’s planned cuts to immigrant health care could overwhelm Santa Cruz County ERs, providers warn – Lookout Santa Cruz, May 2025
“Is that really the way we’re going to balance the budget? On the back of undocumented residents of California?” asked Raymon Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges. The Watsonville-based nonprofit helps residents across Santa Cruz County access resources, such as enrolling in Medi-Cal. The organization has nearly 8,000 undocumented clients enrolled in the state’s health care program, Cancino said.
Letter to the editor: We support AB 1025 for kids and family safety – Lookout Santa Cruz, May 2025
For many immigrant and mixed-status families, daily life is filled with uncertainty. A traffic stop or unexpected enforcement action can tear families apart in an instant. At Community Bridges, we work with thousands of families in Santa Cruz County who live with this fear — families who ask themselves, If I can’t come home tonight, who will care for my children?
Guest Commentary | California must ensure sustainable funding for nonprofits – Santa Cruz Sentinel, April 2025
AB 880 is part of the broader California Contracting Equity Initiative, supported by over 550 nonprofit leaders. We urge lawmakers to pass AB 880 and end the delays and inequities that threaten our ability to serve those in need. It’s time for California to pay nonprofits on time and fairly cover the full cost of services, just as it expects us to deliver on our commitments every day.
Central Coast residents worry as National Weather Service stops translation services – KSBW, April 2025
The contract lapse is with Lilt, an artificial intelligence company that began providing five different language translations in late 2023. This issue arises as President Donald Trump’s administration cut spending on federal agencies, including NOAA, leaving many vulnerable to weather events in their communities. Community Bridges in Watsonville is providing its own alert system for those facing a language barrier. They say these alerts can make a difference in a life-or-death situation.
Federal actions cast shadow over health outcomes in Santa Cruz County – Santa Cruz Sentinel/MSN, April 2025
A key component of the response to these needs is collaboration, Contreras emphasized, as embodied by the Pajaro Valley Collaborative — an outgrowth of the South County Triage Group formed in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic to streamline services. The group now includes 23 local agencies and nonprofits including the county, Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County, Encompass Community Services, Community Bridges and Housing Santa Cruz County. Its goal is to improve community health and wellness, economic mobility and civic engagement.
Pajaro Valley Collaborative stages large rally against Medi-Cal and CalFresh fund cuts – KION, April 2025
“Our services can and are being cut in a drastic way.” That message rang loud and clear Tuesday morning as the Pajaro Valley Collaborative (PVC), alongside 23 local nonprofit organizations, gathered for a rally in Watsonville to protest proposed state and federal budget cuts that threaten to dismantle essential social services. The concern are programs like Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and school meal funding, services that tens of thousands of families in the Pajaro Valley region rely on for healthcare and food access.
‘Hands Off’ protests from across the Central Coast – KSBW, April 2025
In Watsonville, an estimated 700 residents of Watsonville and surrounding areas took to the streets as part of the nationwide day of peaceful protest. Speakers including Tony Nuñez of Community Bridges; Dr. Blanca Baltazar-Sabbah, vice president of student services at Cabrillo College; Francisco Rodriguez, executive director of the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council; Roberto Solis and Ned Van Valkenburgh from the Day Worker Center of Santa Cruz County; and Santa Cruz County Superintendent of Schools Dr. Faris Sabbah.
Strength in community, power in action: Volunteer with Community Bridges this April – Lookout Santa Cruz, April 2025
April is National Volunteer Month, a time to recognize the power of giving back and the strength we build when we take action together. At Community Bridges, we believe that real change happens when individuals come together to support their neighbors. Whether it’s delivering meals, mentoring youth, or ensuring families have access to nutritious food, every volunteer effort strengthens our community.
Local philanthropy looks to step up as federal cuts hit Santa Cruz County nonprofits – Lookout Santa Cruz, April 2025
The Community Foundation has also launched an immigrant support fund to help the work being done by some of its partners that provide services to the immigrant community, such as Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Catholic Charities and Community Bridges. True said the organization has helped pay for child care, food and outreach materials for “Know Your Rights” workshops.
Help Community Bridges fight hunger and build resiliency this National Nutrition Month – Lookout Santa Cruz, March 2025
Good food fuels strong communities. Yet, in Santa Cruz County and beyond, many of our neighbors are struggling to put meals on the table. This National Nutrition Month, Community Bridges is taking action to ensure that every child, family, and senior in our region has access to nutritious food—but we need your help to make it happen.
Top ways to volunteer with seniors this March in Santa Cruz County – Lookout Santa Cruz, March 2025
Volunteering is a powerful way to strengthen our community by fostering kindness, compassion, and connection. When we help each other, we create a sense of belonging and ensure that no one is left behind. Volunteering is also good for your health – reducing the risk of heart disease and supporting mental health.
Caroline’s Thrift holds annual gifting ceremony – The Pajaronian, February 2025
It has been 15 years since Caroline’s Thrift opened, and since that time owner Christine Licker has donated tens of thousands of dollars to local nonprofits. On Feb. 9, Licker held her annual gifting ceremony, during which she handed out checks to 37 organizations totaling $575,500.
Longtime Community Bridges employee promoted – Lookout Santa Cruz, February 2025
Dana Wagner is now the senior program director for Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County, Community Bridges announced recently. Wagner joined the nonprofit organization as a supervising dietician for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program in 2001. She later became the program’s director and has been serving as the interim director for Meals on Wheels since March 2024.
Wagner leads Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County as senior program director – Press Banner, February 2025
Community Bridges recently announced the promotion of Dana Wagner, who has been selected as senior program director for Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County, marking a full-circle moment in her distinguished career in nutrition and community service.
Community Bridges, PG&E team for bill assistance workshops – KION, February 2025
Community Bridges and PG&E have partnered for a series of bill assistance workshops in Watsonville as part of a senior outreach program. PG&E is being joined by Community Bridges and Central Coast Energy Services to aid in their Senior Advocate Outreach Program which provides energy assistance programs with help from non-profits. Community Bridges’s first workshop focused on Spanish-speaking seniors with PG&E answering questions on-site on Thursday. There will also be a focus on how to cut energy costs and save money with seniors enrolled in the Watsonville Senior Center Meals on Wheels program.
Meals on Wheels faces first waitlist in 50 years: Support Santa Cruz seniors at Valentine’s Day fundraiser – Lookout Santa Cruz, January 2025
For the first time in nearly 50 years, Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County is facing a heartbreaking reality: a waitlist for services. This Valentine’s Day, Meals on Wheels needs the community’s love to fill our hearts and help ensure that the most vulnerable seniors in our community are happy, healthy, and independent.
Editorial | SC Wharf reopening: Much to celebrate and honor (amid blame) – Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 2025
The Community Foundation Santa Cruz County and Community Bridges raised money to help Wharf workers who lost income while the structure was closed, and other community members returned lost Wharf artifacts such as a plaque commemorating its 100th birthday.
Santa Cruz Wharf Reopens With a Ceremony as Residents, Businesses Celebrate – KQED, January 2025
A local nonprofit, Community Bridges, is providing $500 stipends to low-income employees who lost wages — including some of the staff of Gilda’s. The city is in talks with each of the about 20 businesses on the wharf about potential rent reductions to soften the blow, although Mayor Keeley said the 110-year-old pier may eventually need to be reimagined.
Santa Cruz Wharf reopens to community fanfare – Monterey Herald, January 2025
Newsome thanked the fundraising efforts of the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County and Community Bridges for organizing to help Wharf workers who lost income while the structure was closed, and community members that returned lost Wharf artifacts such as the plaque commemorating its 100th birthday.
Community Foundation taking donations for Santa Cruz Wharf workers, harbor residents – Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 2025
One of the grantee partners is Community Bridges, which is helping Wharf workers and low-income residents of the Santa Cruz Harbor displaced by the extreme surge event through their family resource centers across the county. Those affected making 80% of the area median income or less are eligible to receive a $500 Visa gift card. The local nonprofit is prioritizing full-time Wharf employees and part-time Wharf employees with multiple jobs.
Santa Cruz Harbor liveaboards face housing uncertainty after devastating swell – Lookout Santa Cruz, January 2025
Relief efforts are underway for displaced harbor residents through Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, which has expanded its wharf workers relief fund to include boat dwellers affected by the disaster. The foundation has partnered with nonprofit Community Bridges to provide $500 Visa gift cards to eligible recipients, including both wharf employees and harbor residents who can no longer occupy their boats. “We are setting up a system as fast as we can,” Susan True, the foundation’s CEO, wrote via email. “We have not yet raised enough money to meet all the needs.”
Santa Cruz County Disaster Fund collects donations after partial wharf collapse – CBS News, December 2024
According to the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County website, the disaster fund “has been activated to support local nonprofits responding to the wharf closure of the winter of 2024-25.” The CFSCC works with its partner Community Bridges to provide a secure place for residents to make donations that will help those in the county who need assistance the most after a natural disaster.
Santa Cruz Wharf likely closed for weeks as city weighs whether to rebuild – Lookout Santa Cruz, December 2024
With those livelihoods now shrouded in uncertainty, city parks and recreation director Tony Elliot said the city is working with business owners to allow them access to their property and is looking to support employees of those businesses while the city-owned wharf remains closed. That includes working with Community Bridges and Community Foundation Santa Cruz County to provide financial support to workers.
Pajaro floods two years later: many still waiting for recovery funds – The Pajaronian, December 2024
Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino said that $464,000 was distributed to 688 households affected by the flood in the first phase of the allocations, and more than $633,000 in the second phase. Those households are also eligible for financial assistance ranging from $200-$1,000, depending on the size.
Guest Column | Reflecting on 12 Years of Service in Santa Cruz County – The Press Banner, December 2024
I’ll close by remembering Mary Hammer, whose life we will celebrate during a memorial service Dec. 21. Her work as a founder of the Valley Women’s Club and Mountain Community Resources in the areas of disaster response, social services and environmental protection serves as an example for all of us to care for our neighbors and serve our community when called.
Measuring progress on the County’s post-flood recovery plan in Pajaro – Monterey County Weekly, December 2024
For one thing, the County and nonprofit agencies that are distributing direct relief money (Catholic Charities and Community Bridges) must verify losses. In a largely cash-based community, that can be a challenge; if your truck flooded with the title in it, and you have no receipt…the list of scenarios is long and each is unique. That uniqueness is part of the design of this program. Ray Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges, says residents of second-floor apartments may qualify for less cash aid than first-floor apartments due to the nature of flooding; it’s more complicated than just giving each household a standard check, but hopefully more fair.
A year after the County approved $10 million for Pajaro aid, just $2.6 million has been spent – Monterey County Weekly, December 2024
In a community that prefers cash over credit cards and where many don’t have a bank account, proving losses has been a challenge, but Ray Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges, says they have adapted to what is practical. “It’s not just receipts, it’s also photos. People have been creative,” Cancino says, noting Pajaronians have used not just photos but also text messages and videos to prove losses.
Santa Cruz County declares itself sanctuary community for immigrants – Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 2024
Ray Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges, said after Trump took office in 2017, the county experienced a 30% enrollment reduction in Medi-Cal and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program known as SNAP. He encouraged the board to spread information about resident rights when experiencing housing discrimination based on national origin; something he said was also an issue in 2017. “Without clear action steps, funding or direction to staff, this is simply a prayer and wishful thinking,” said Cancino.
Pajaro River levee breach recovery efforts continue with new funding – KSBW, December 2024
Approximately $14 million has been provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency and nonprofit recovery programs. According to Raymon Cancino, chief executive officer for Community Bridges, about $1.1 million has been directly provided to residents.
Monterey County provides Pajaro flood recovery funding update – Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 2024
Cancino said Community Bridges has been working with Catholic Charities of Monterey County to ensure the success of the program, with disaster case managers working individually with households to aid in recovery, navigate assistance systems and identify unmet needs. The program distributed more than $464,000 to 688 households in its first phase and more than $633,000 to assist with long-term recovery efforts like home repairs and vehicle replacements in the second phase. Additionally, Cancino said households that received assistance in the first phase are automatically eligible to receive between $200 and $1,000, depending on household size.
Three-quarters of Pajaro flood relief funds for residents and businesses remain unspent after one year – KAZU, December 2024
During the press conference, Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino said Pajaro is a largely cash-based community. “Meaning, [if] they buy a truck, they might pay in cash, right?” Cancino said. “And so, having a receipt that wasn’t flooded at the time, without a banking structure that is in the back end keeping those records, is sometimes difficult.” In the months following the floods, Monterey County approved 90% of applications for evacuation support and grocery assistance. But so far during the second phase — which focuses on home and vehicle repairs, housing assistance and personal property damage — only about a quarter of applications have been approved.
The Pajaro Recovery Fund, one year assessment – KION, December 2024
One year after the Pajaro flooding, Monterey County is continuing its recovery with millions in relief funds and key infrastructure projects on the horizon. The county says over one million dollars in assistance has been given to affected families since March. Which includes the program’s first phase which provided over $464,000 to replace spoiled food. Over $633,000 has also distributed during phase two which accounts for unmet needs and is still ongoing.
Meals on Wheels Taps Dana Wagner – Aptos Times, December 2024
Community Bridges announces the promotion of Dana Wagner as senior program director for Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County, which is facing a six-figure budget deficit. Because of the budget deficit, Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County will likely need to implement a waitlist for services on July 1 for the first time in nearly five decades, according to Community Bridges officials, something other programs have already done.
Meals on Wheels picks senior program director – Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 2024
Community Bridges recently announced the promotion of Dana Wagner as senior program director for Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County, marking a full-circle moment in her distinguished career in nutrition and community service.
Fear of unknown as communities brace for mass deportations – The Pajaronian, December 2024
Local law enforcement throughout Santa Cruz County have said they will not cooperate with federal immigration officials if they come to enforce deportation orders. Still, it the unknown ramifications of Trump’s plans have had a profound impact on the community. “There is lots of fear,” says Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino. “People are very genuinely afraid of what’s going to come next and what’s going to change.”
‘Tis the season for service: Where to volunteer in Santa Cruz County during the holidays – Lookout Santa Cruz, December 2024
Musical performance for seniors What you’ll do: Use your singing or instrumental talents to perform for older adults in a vibrant, welcoming environment. Dates: Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Location: 100 Pioneer St., Watsonville. Sign up: Visit Community Bridges’ Elderday Adult Day Health Care page or contact Liliana Rensi at elenaa@cbridges.org
Add Ease to Year-End Giving – Aptos Times, December 2024
As the year draws to a close, you may feel like we do, grateful to be part of this community and wanting to give back. Here at Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, we can help make your year-end giving joyful and easy. A trusted center for giving for 42 years, we’re proud to be a place where charitable giving becomes local, personal, and meaningful.
West Cliff’s future depends on unity – surfers have a place in the discussion – Lookout Santa Cruz, December 2024
We will continue to center our efforts around equity, do the challenging work of meeting people where they are and hearing from voices that historically have not been part of the conversation. Examples of this include collaboration and engagement with our Beach Flats and Lower Ocean neighborhoods, where we have conducted numerous bilingual focus groups through a partnership with Community Bridges.
Live Oak School District’s housing bond measure failed. Where does it go from here? – Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 2024
Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino told the Sentinel this week that the offer is still on the table and added, “With their ongoing fiscal woes and declining enrollment, it seems appropriate for them to trade the cash for their initial planning phase funding.”
Founder of Mountain Community Resources dies at 87 – Press Banner, November 2024
The San Lorenzo Valley and the broader Santa Cruz County community are mourning the loss of Mary Hammer, a beloved founder and lifelong advocate for the region. Hammer died Nov. 6 after a brief illness, leaving behind a profound legacy of service, compassion and environmental stewardship.
Make A Difference: Where To Volunteer In Watsonville! – Patch, November 2024
The holiday season is a wonderful time to give back and connect with our community. Volunteering offers a chance to lend a hand and make a meaningful impact. Here are some local organizations in the Watsonville area where you can get involved this season.
Dispute over seniors center helps sink Live Oak School District workforce housing bond – Lookout Santa Cruz, November 2024
Three weeks after Election Day, Live Oak School District’s $45 million bond measure to build workforce housing appears headed for failure, partially the victim of a longstanding dispute with local seniors organizations that lease space in a district-owned building, school officials say.
Core funding process leaves nonprofits perplexed, officials frustrated – The Pajaronian, November 2024
Two nonprofits whose requests were initially denied were Meals on Wheels, a program of Community Bridges, and Grey Bears. Both serve the county’s growing senior population. But both received last-minute reprieves when the supervisors doled out $828,847 in discretionary funds to 10 of the ones denied. Community Bridges spokesman Tony Nuñez said that the $300,000 that came from that pot is a 25% reduction from the last cycle’s allocation. That will mean that one in 10 seniors will be cut from the Meals on Wheels program over the next three years.
How supporting Community Bridges can transform lives this giving season – Lookout Santa Cruz, November 2024
Supporting Community Bridges means helping children start their school days well-nourished and ready to learn, ensuring seniors receive the care and companionship they deserve, and empowering families to overcome crises with dignity. Your support this holiday season is vital. Help us continue to be a lifeline for the people of Santa Cruz County. Whether you give your time, money, or expertise, your contributions will create real, lasting change in the lives of thousands.
You Can Help More than ever, great local charities need a boost – Good Times, November 2024
Wrap Them in Care—WIC Program Diaper Initiative: Our local Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program, run by Community Bridges, has served thousands of families in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley since 1977. Rising diaper costs are a major challenge, with prices up 22% since 2018. To help, we launched the WIC Diaper Program in 2023 and have distributed 852 packs in nine months. However, demand exceeds supply. Your donation can help us expand this vital program, ensuring no family has to choose between diapers and other essentials.
Step into the season of giving: Supporting Santa Cruz County’s vital nonprofits – Lookout Santa Cruz, November 2024
Here at Lookout’s Community & Commerce team, we invite you to be a part of this crucial work. By supporting these fourteen impactful nonprofits, you’re fueling their mission and helping create a thriving, united Santa Cruz. Whether it’s through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, each gesture contributes to a ripple effect that reaches every corner of our community.
Santa Cruz County supervisors approve latest CORE funding cycle amid community uproar – Santa Cruz Sentinel, November 2024
Something that did arise from the previous funding cycle was a series of 14 process changes in response to community feedback. One of those updates included setting aside about $1 million in discretionary funding for the supervisors to distribute and fill in gaps it saw in the panel’s recommendations. The board, again by way of a 3-2 decision with Koenig and Cummings voting against, agreed to distribute this money to 11 more organizations including Meals on Wheels, Grey Bears and the Diversity Center, but not for child care services.
Santa Cruz City Council Provides funding to Meals on Wheels – Santa Cruz Sentinel, 2024
Following public comment, Councilmember Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson presented an amended motion to approve the award recommendations made through the program’s request for proposals process but reduce the awards by 5% and allocate those funds with the city’s approximately $190,000 in discretionary funds to provide additional funding for programs such as Community Bridges, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County and the Santa Cruz Toddler Center, among others.
‘Like we’re in the Hunger Games’: County process to fund nonprofits leaves few satisfied, again – Lookout Santa Cruz, 2024
McPherson, Friend and Hernandez voted to fund the panel’s 28 recommendations without changes. They include $500,000 for a college savings account program from Semillitas, $150,000 for a migrant worker education center in South County from the Community Action Board, and $248,000 for Community Bridges’ family resource center. The three supervisors then approved a $1 million package crafted by McPherson, with few changes, to fund programs left out of the panel’s recommendations, including Meals on Wheels, Grey Bears, Dientes Community Dental and Second Harvest Food Bank.
In the Public Interest: ‘Just doesn’t make any sense’: Supervisors face tense vote on nonprofit funding – Lookout Santa Cruz, November 2024
“My hope is that we can get access to the funding applications and we can delay the decision so we can learn more and better understand why we’re not funding programs like Meals on Wheels,” Cummings said. “It just doesn’t make any sense.”
Child care, Meals on Wheels could be reduced with local funding changes – Santa Cruz Local, November 2024
Losing out on a grant would put the Meals on Wheels program in crisis, according to an online petition from Community Bridges. “This deficit will force us to cut back services and turn away 1,035 seniors from the program over the next three years,” the petition stated. “Due to recommended budget cuts from the County of Santa Cruz through its CORE funding program, rising costs, and increased demand, Meals on Wheels faces a six-figure funding shortfall,” the petition said.
Letter | County: Prioritize Meals on Wheels in CORE funding – Santa Cruz Sentinel, November 2024
It is increasingly difficult to read the news today without encountering reminders of the challenges our community faces in addressing the impending Silver Tsunami. Our senior population is growing faster than in any other county across the state, and the health and social issues affecting our seniors are becoming more acute. This is why the county Board of Supervisors must prioritize Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County in its CORE funding decisions at the Nov. 19 meeting.
Where to volunteer in Santa Cruz County this November: 10 opportunities to make a difference – Lookout Santa Cruz, November 2024
Have musical talent? Join the Elderday Adult Day Health Care Musical Performance for Seniors! Bring cheer to seniors and help create a vibrant community for everyone! If you have a special talent for singing or playing an instrument we invite you to come to our health center for a performance.
Preschool program expands at Highlands Park Center in Ben Lomond – Lookout Santa Cruz, November 2024
Community Bridges recently announced that Highlands Park Center in Ben Lomond, one of six sites in its Early Education Division (EED), has expanded its California State Preschool Program (CSPP) to offer free or low-cost early care and education services for qualifying income eligible families. This change reflects the nonprofit organization’s commitment to addressing the growing need for affordable childcare in Santa Cruz County, where rising costs of living and childcare costs are placing increasing pressure on working families.
Phalanx of Santa Cruz County leaders vows to stand with immigrant community in second Trump term – Lookout Santa Cruz, November 2024
Santa Cruz County leaders representing city and county governments, public schools and nonprofit organizations reassured the local immigrant community of their commitment of support in the wake of former President Donald Trump’s election Tuesday to a second term. Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors Chair Justin Cummings, District 4 County Supervisor Felipe Hernandez, soon-to-be Sheriff Chris Clark and County Superintendent of Schools Faris Sabbah were among the local leaders who gathered at the Santa Cruz County courthouse Thursday afternoon.
Mood swings across party lines for Santa Cruz County voters – Lookout Santa Cruz, November 2024
Down in South County, Tony Nuñez, communications manager for nonprofit Community Bridges and a board member of the Pajaro Valley Health Care District, characterized the atmosphere in the community as “a little tense.” His employer, and Watsonville Community Hospital, which the board oversees, serve many undocumented residents. “You just don’t know how that population will react, whether they will continue to come in for their health care and other social services,” Nuñez said. “If Trump wins, it’s going to be an all-hands-on-deck response for people who work with vulnerable populations and the undocumented.”
Giving Back In Scotts Valley: Local Causes To Support This Season – Scotts Valley Patch, October 2024
Mountain Community Resources supports residents of San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley with essential services, including counseling, food distribution and parent education. As part of the Community Bridges network, they provide bilingual advocacy, public benefits assistance and access to health clinics.
Vision for the community: Dozens receive free eye exams, glasses – The Pajaronian, October 2024
Dozens of people came to Community Bridges’ downtown location Sunday, where they received a free eye exam and, if needed, a pair of prescription glasses. This included an onsite mobile RV that made the glasses onsite.
Community Bridges partnering with VSP Vision for free eye exams – Santa Cruz Sentinel, October 2024
The institute recommends regular eye checkups, and health insurance company VSP Vision Care is providing exactly that through its Eyes of Hope campaign. The company is providing mobile clinics throughout the Central Coast where people can have their eyes examined for free, having stopped at El Sausal Middle School on Monday and also preparing to stop at Gilroy Senior Center Wednesday and Thursday and finally at Community Bridges in Watsonville Sunday.
Tia Verches earns 2024 Green Heart Award for her dedication – Press Banner, October 2024
Since 1977, Community Bridges has been providing care and support to residents around Santa Cruz County, including the San Lorenzo Valley. Mountain Community Resources (MCR), the local branch of the social services juggernaut, has been a compassionate partner within SLV, and has offered residents financial assistance and respite following natural disasters and personal calamities.
Community unity at the heart of Annual Mountain Affair benefiting Mountain Community Resources – Lookout Santa Cruz, October 2024
Tickets are now available for the 39th Annual Mountain Affair, an evening celebrating the strength, unity, and resilience of our valley communities. The event will take place on Friday, October 25, from 5-9pm at the Highlands Park Senior & Community Center in Ben Lomond, benefiting Mountain Community Resources (MCR), a program of Community Bridges.
New generator will equip San Lorenzo Valley emergency center – Lookout Santa Cruz, October 2024
“We are in the process of registering the center as an emergency response location so we can offer community members a safe place to gather, reduce isolation, recharge devices and access programs like Meals on Wheels,” said Coco Raner-Walter, board president for Highlands Park Senior and Community Center.
Connect, volunteer, and thrive: 10 Ways to support older adults in Santa Cruz this October – Lookout Santa Cruz, October 2024
Lead a 45-minute to 1-hour beginners’ poetry or journaling class at Elderday Adult Day Health Care. Help seniors and adults with disabilities express their artistic talents and enrich their lives through writing.
Vote Yes on Measure V: Empowering True Representation and Building an Inclusive Watsonville – The Pajaronian
Our democracy thrives when everyone, regardless of citizenship status, has the opportunity to engage in their community. Recent years have made it clear that the notion of a universal path to citizenship is a myth, and there are intentional political efforts to keep certain communities unrepresented and invisible.
Would Measure N demolish a Live Oak senior center for teacher housing? – Santa Cruz Local, October 2024
Community Bridges is searching for another site for the Meals on Wheels program, and has identified a potential property to buy in Watsonville. Buying the property and building a commercial kitchen would cost around $5 million, said Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino. To bear the cost, Meals on Wheels would reduce the number of people it serves to 1,600 from 1,800, he said.
New laws signed by Gov. Newsom clear way for more farmworker housing – ABC7, September
On Tuesday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new slate of laws meant to expand housing for farmworkers, a community whose struggle for safe places to live has gone uncovered for too long.
Community Bridges secures $3M grant to revamp childcare outdoor spaces – Press Banner, September 2024
Community Bridges has been awarded $3 million from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection’s (Cal Fire) Urban and Community Forestry Grants program, enabling the transformation of its Early Education Division childcare outdoor spaces into vibrant, nature-based learning sites that will provide significant benefits for staff, children and the environment.
After past tension, Live Oak School District and Community Bridges sign two-year lease allowing Meals on Wheels to remain – Lookout Santa Cruz, September 2024
After more than two years of eviction notices, contentious meetings and negotiations, Live Oak School District and nonprofit Community Bridges entered into a two-year lease agreement this week. Community Bridges, which runs its Meals on Wheels program at the district-owned property at 1777 Capitola Rd., will continue to operate there for the next two years at the very least.
Tickets on sale for Mountain Community Resources benefit – Santa Cruz Sentinel, September 2024
Tickets are on sale for the 39th annual Mountain Affair, Oct. 25 at Highlands Park Senior & Community Center, which includes a dinner, local wine, live music, and a silent auction. Tickets are $125 each. Visit CommunityBridges.org/Events for information. The event benefits Mountain Community Resources, a Community Bridges program that serves San Lorenzo Valley with services including food distribution, emergency preparedness, and crisis support.
Live Oak School District’s New Chapter – Good Times, September 2024
LOSD is once again asking voters to approve a $45 million bond, $1 million more, for workforce housing in November. Intertwined with the potential workforce housing has been the question of where non-profit Community Bridges would go if the housing was developed on the LOSD owned-site. Last week Community Bridges signed a two-year lease with LOSD to stay at the Capitola Road location. However, any construction would most likely begin after, considering development timelines.
Live Oak School District, Community Bridges agree to long-term lease – Santa Cruz Sentinel, August 2024
After years of negotiations, the Live Oak School District and Community Bridges have agreed to a long-term lease extension. At its meeting Wednesday, the board unanimously approved a 24-month lease with the Watsonville-based nonprofit that will allow it to continue to operate its Meals on Wheels program out of the district-owned building at 1777 Capitola Road known as the Live Oak Senior Center.
Rising demand, shrinking resources: The challenges facing Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County – Lookout Santa Cruz, August 2024
The demand for our services locally is growing faster than our current funding can sustain. We served 1,737 clients in the most recent fiscal year, 429 more than the previous year. We provided 155,702 home-delivered meals and 23,042 meals at our dining sites last year. With 1,000 Californians turning 65 every day for the next decade, and the population of older adults growing faster in Santa Cruz County than any other region in the state, we expect demand to continue rising.
WIC celebrates 50 years of supporting healthy families – Good Times, August 2024
In its 50-year tenure, numerous studies have proven WIC’s effectiveness. These outcomes include reduced premature births and infant deaths, increased access to prenatal care, immunization rates and overall health. Wagner, who has been with the organization for 25 years, has been highly instrumental in this evolution.
Breastfeeding Health Fair to celebrate 50 years of WIC program – Santa Cruz Sentinel, August 2024
Around this time of year, Watsonville residents can expect to see the return of the annual Breastfeeding Health Fair and Walk. Hosted by Community Bridges’ Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, this 17-year tradition provides resources for mothers who have recently given birth, opportunities to donate breast milk and culminates in a walk to raise awareness of breastfeeding. This year is a little more special than most, as it also marks the 50th anniversary of the WIC program.
Lookout In the Community: Events to check out this August – Lookout Santa Cruz, August 2024
Join us for the ninth annual Farm to Fork Gala at La Selva Beach Clubhouse on Saturday, Aug. 10, from 5-9 p.m. This event brings together local supporters for an elegant evening of sunset sea breezes while enjoying a locally sourced seasonal gourmet menu. Live and silent auction items showcase popular excursions and gifts, wines and beers, and throughout the event, you can enjoy live music in the company of fellow supporters. Get your tickets here.
Coastal Watershed Council hosts exploration expedition to the San Lorenzo River – Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 2024
“Most of the youth in Nueva Vista’s Summer Fun program live and attend school very close to the San Lorenzo River and many of them see it or travel along it every single day. It’s their closest access to an open, natural space and we’re thrilled to support their connection with this river. These kids are stoked about our blend of summer camp vibes with science education and watershed stewardship.”
New Dominican Hospital residency program aims to speed up local health care – Lookout Santa Cruz, July 2024
Ray Cancino, CEO of local nonprofit Community Bridges, also expressed concerns about how local facilities can retain the residents in the face of affordability challenges in Santa Cruz County, and when neighboring counties can offer competing salaries. Still, Cancino talks about the immediate impact he hopes to see, saying he’s “extremely excited” about the potential impact of the residency program.
Community Bridges celebrates 50 years of WIC at Annual Breastfeeding Health Fair and Walk – Lookout Santa Cruz, July, 2024
On Friday, August 9, Community Bridges’ WIC Program will host the 17th Annual Breastfeeding Health Fair and Walk in Watsonville Plaza. This family-friendly event, from 3:00pm to 5:30pm, will feature fun activities, a live DJ, community resource booths, healthy snacks, free T-shirts, raffles, and a human milk donation site. The highlight is a rally-type walk down Main Street at 5:00pm.
Central Coast nonprofits fear proposed state budget cuts – KSBW, June 2024
Community Bridges in Santa Cruz County runs the Meals on Wheels program, which feeds about 800 older residents across the county. They warn that if the budget goes through, they will have to start putting new applicants on a waitlist, something they have never had to do before.
Letter | Proposed budget cuts will harm Meals on Wheels – Santa Cruz Sentinel, June 2024
Meals on Wheels is a proven solution, reducing health care costs and nursing home use while improving food security, diet quality, and reducing social isolation. Cutting funding now would be shortsighted and harmful.
Free summer lunch programs across the Central Coast – KSBW, June 2024
Here are several programs for kids to get free meals for the summer months. Most programs require no paperwork, enrollment or income qualifications for participants.
Community Bridges unveils ‘Wisdom of Our Elders’ mural – Santa Cruz Sentinel, May 2024
On Friday, Community Bridges unveiled a new 225 foot by 32 foot mural alongside the entry to its Elderday Adult day health Care Building at Main Street and West Lake Avenue. Titled “The Wisdom of Our Elders,” the colorful mural by Chicano artists Jessica Carmen and Augie WK — who collectively create art under the name The Jams — depicts older adults of all races, ethnicities and religions engaged in various activities with younger generations.
New mural, art exhibit sprout in Watsonville – Good Times, May 2024
Dozens of people gathered in downtown Watsonville on May 17 to celebrate the completion of a new large outdoor mural at Community Bridges at the corner of Main Street and East Lake Avenue. Titled “Wisdom of Our Elders,” the colorful 225-foot-by-32-foot mural represents a collaboration between Community Bridges, Elderday and California-based Chicano muralists Augie WK and Jessica Carmen, known as The Jams.
Live Oak School District to appoint board member, vote on lease agreement with Community Bridges – Lookout Santa Cruz, May 2024
The Live Oak School District governing board has a full agenda for its Wednesday meeting, including appointing a new board member to a vacant seat, voting on a lease agreement with nonprofit Community Bridges and approving an updated list of layoffs.
Pajaro Unmet Needs Disaster Program sees over 600 household applications ahead of Saturday deadline – KION, April 2024
The County of Monterey provided an update Wednesday on the Pajaro Unmet Needs Disaster Program. Ahead of the Saturday, Apr. 27 deadline, over 600 household applications have been completed, with close to 500 applications eligible for phase one assistance.
Unlock the power of giving back this volunteer month with Community Bridges – Lookout Santa Cruz, April 2024
April has arrived, and with it comes National Volunteer Month! It’s time to celebrate the spirit of giving back, and what better way to do so than by becoming a volunteer with Community Bridges? With a plethora of opportunities to make a real difference in the lives of your neighbors, now is the perfect time to join our community-driven initiatives.
Unmet Needs Program Taking Off In Pajaro – Good Times, April 2024
Tony Nuñez-Palomino, Communications Manager for Community Bridges, which has partnered with Monterey County to process applications for individual assistance, says that the volume of applicants has been high during the first week. “We’ve been seeing about anywhere from 50 to 100 people each day since we started [March 27],” he says. Nuñez-Palomino estimated his organization had processed around 260 applications as of April 3. The current efforts underway are a result of the advocacy local officials and community leaders have engaged in since the flood to raise awareness of the ongoing need in the area.
County of Monterey unveils application numbers from the Unmet Needs Resource Program – KION, March 2024
Staff from Community Bridges and Catholic Charities will be running the assistance center. There are different application guidelines for people and small businesses.
Pajaro Flood: One Year Later – Good Times, March 2024
Tony Nuñez-Palomino, communications manager for Community Bridges, says that, to date, his organization has distributed nearly $1.7 million in financial assistance. Undocumented residents are limited in the type of state and federal aid they can obtain, and the nonprofit has helped flood victims no matter their status. However, he says there are residents in the area that have yet to receive any aid for damages.
Editorial | Amid fiscal woes, Live Oak School District facing tough choices – Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 2024
Meals on Wheels and neighboring nonprofit Senior Network Services have operated out of the facility since the 1970s. Last year, Meals on Wheels distributed about 290,000 meals to older adults, many homebound. The programs, now operating on month-to-month leases, say they do not have alternate sites. Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino confirmed to the Editorial Board last week that his organization still wants to buy the center from the district, and has offered up to the appraised value of $2.8 million for the purchase. Community Bridges has presented the district with an alternative site to build needed housing for employees.
1st Bay Area Farmworker Convention expected to gather hundreds from all over CA – ABC 7, March 2024
Cancino said situations like these do not need to continue. He believes there should be a systemic shift across agriculture to ensure that they are producing housing. “Until we have legislation at the statewide level that mandates a certain percentage of agricultural farmworker housing be created on farmworker land, I don’t see a solve for this outside of forcing an industry to pay people more. And that’s just – un-American,” Cancino said.
Se cumple un año de la inundación en Pájaro; varias familias y negocios esperan ayuda financiera – KION, March 2024
La madrugada de este lunes se cumplió un año de las inundaciones que dejaron bajo agua al pueblo de Pájaro en el Condado de Monterey. El rompimiento del dique provocó que el agua del río Pájaro se desbordara hacia esta comunidad, provocando daños materiales en casas, negocios y autos.
Overhaul of faulty Monterey County levee is finally underway — but flood risks remain – San Francisco Chronicle, March 2024
Ray Cancino, CEO of the Watsonville-based nonprofit Community Bridges, said he hopes government officials don’t focus solely on the levee reconstruction project, because that could create a false sense of security for the community. Cancino, whose group provided Pajaro residents with disaster relief, said he wants government officials to be transparent with residents about the possibility of another flood before the project is complete, and focus on helping people prepare.
One year after Pajaro levee breached, many residents remain in dire need – The Mercury News, March 2024
Applications are slated to open in person in late March at Pajaro Park and be available until late April. Catholic Charities of Monterey County and Community Bridges of Watsonville are set to distribute the funds.
Monterey County begins Pajaro disaster relief – Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 2024
The Monterey County Workforce Development Board will oversee distribution of the $3.7 million in small business help and the nonprofits Community Bridges and Catholic Charities of Monterey will jointly oversee the distribution of the $5.4 million in individual and household recovery assistance. Both nonprofits will distribute assistance on a secular basis.
The floodwaters have long receded from Pajaro. But one year later residents and businesses are still struggling to stay afloat – Monterey County Weekly, February 2024
Ray Cancino, CEO of nonprofit Community Bridges, says residents who moved out are continuing to struggle despite the financial support they received, as rent in neighboring cities is at least $1,000 more than Pajaro. The result is that some tenants, both those evicted from San Juan Road and others, have moved out of the area. “They don’t have another option except for displacement to other, more affordable communities across the state,” Cancino says.
$10 million approved to help Pajaro flood survivors – KSBW, February 2024
As part of the rollout, local non-profits will be stepping in to help. The two selected are Catholic Charities and Community Bridges. The Workforce Development Board will also be working with small businesses. While residents need this aid as quickly as possible, many remain skeptical of the process. “This whole program is subject to the audit, so all the money that is being distributed has to be accounted for,” says Tony Nunez, Community Bridges Foundation Spokesperson.
Who is behind the largest campaign donations in Santa Cruz County’s primary election cycle? – Lookout Santa Cruz, February 2024
Local social services nonprofit Community Bridges was the only organization among the top donors to support the Watsonville Community Hospital tax.
Drastic Layoffs at Live Oak School District Loom – Good Times, February 2024
The local nonprofit Community Bridges earlier this month proposed a plan to buy the Elena Baskin Live Oak Senior Center property from the District for $2.4 million. The estimated budget deficit of the LOSD was $2.4 million before it was revised upwards at the Feb. 21 meeting.
More than 40 jobs at risk at Live Oak School District due to ‘budget crisis’ – KSBW, February 2024
In light of this recent news, the nonprofit Community Bridges is offering the district a solution. They’ve been renting the district-owned senior center for about 20 years, using it to operate the Meals on Wheels program. CEO Raymon Cancino says they’ve been trying to acquire it for years, but the district hasn’t budged. They think now is the perfect time as they’re offering them $2.4 million.
Community Bridges puts senior center purchase offer on table – Santa Cruz Sentinel, February 2024
Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County, a program from Watsonville-based nonprofit Community Bridges, announced in a recent release that it has submitted a letter of intent to the Live Oak School District to purchase the Elena Baskin Live Oak Senior Center at 1777 Capitola Road for $2.4 million.
How Community Bridges’ Family Resource Collective is partnering to break the cycle of evictions – Lookout Santa Cruz, February 2024
One of our flagship initiatives, the Eviction Defense Collaborative, exemplifies our commitment to addressing pressing community challenges. This collaborative effort, formed during the COVID-19 Pandemic, aims to disrupt the cycle of evictions affecting countless local families. In partnership with Tenant Sanctuary, Senior Legal Services, and the Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County, we provide essential support to tenants and landlords facing eviction crises.
New program offers dental care, hygiene kits to seniors – January 2024, The Pajaronian
Eventually, 16,000 dental hygiene kits—donated by Delta Dental—will be distributed through Grey Bears and Meals on Wheels. The kits—along with a monthly dental clinic at the Mid-County site—are part of a new partnership with sliding scale fees by Dientes Community Dental Care in a program created to bring the essential service to low-income seniors. Monthly dental clinics will also be offered at Elderday in Watsonville.
Learning Lessons From Last Year’s Flood, Pajaro Valley Prepares with Workshop – January 2024
Aprendiendo las lecciones del pasado con las inundaciones y buscando estar mejor preparados, residentes de Pajaro asistieron a un taller para saber qué hacer antes de que lleguen las proximas lluvias.
Pajaro community asked be prepared for another flood in the coming years – KSBW, January 2024
“People in Pajaro live in a flood plain, meaning that it’s going to flood and the question of when that is, that’s something that we don’t know when that’s gonna happen but the reality is that the current levee system has been built and is fundamentally going to break down again,” says Ray Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges.
Meals on Wheels Fundraiser Returns – Aptos Times, January 2024
A program of Community Bridges, Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County relies on private donations as government funding as lagged, with 2023 nearly identical to 2010, creating a shortfall.
Santa Cruz County rolls out Medi-Cal for undocumented residents – KSBW, January 2024
Groups like Community Bridges are assisting the county to spread the word. Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino says this is a critical step that benefits a deserving community and, in turn, the entire population. “Really take care of those individuals that are a part of our community that are working in our community and are contributing. They might not be full citizens at this point, but they’re getting to the steps to get there, and this is one of those steps to help support them in a big way, especially if they have medical ailments.”
Monterey County flood response bolstered – Monterey Herald, December 2023
In its simplest role, the COAD would be a communications and coordination effort with the nonprofits that can help during and after a disaster. Raymon Cancino, the chief executive of Watsonville-based Community Bridges, said the benefit of nonprofit organizations is that they are not hampered by a rigid chain of command and can be more flexible in getting aid to those in greatest need.
Writers raise funds, encourage advocacy for Pajaro flood victims – Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 2023
Bookshop Santa Cruz, in conjunction with the UC Santa Cruz Center for Agroecology and with support from the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County, hosted Pajaro Rising, which brought together four writers and a radio host to the Cowell Ranch Hay Barn with proceeds going toward Community Bridges, a Watsonville-based nonprofit that has provided numerous services to those impacted by the flood.
Evictions loom for 14 Pajaro families – The Pajaronian, December 2023
Residents reached out to local organizations in hopes of getting assistance to relocate, and Community Bridges has stepped in to help. After starting a GoFundMe for those affected earlier this month, it has raised more than $63,000 with the help of the Community Foundation of Monterey County and individual donors. Community Bridges is a Watsonville-based nonprofit that helps with food and healthcare access throughout Santa Cruz County.
Empowering 22,000 vulnerable residents: Help deliver essential services to older adults, children & families – Lookout Santa Cruz, November 2023
Community Bridges has remained at the forefront of delivering essential services and critical resources, and providing swift responses during times of crisis, and this has only been possible thanks to your extraordinary generosity and support. As we embark on our 47th year of helping support and uplift local children, mothers, fathers, and older adults, we find ourselves profoundly humbled by your steadfast willingness to help your neighbors in their times of need.
Community Bridges raises more than $60K for Pajaro families facing evictions – Santa Cruz Sentinel, November 2023
On Nov. 10, Watsonville-based nonprofit Community Bridges set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise $100,000 for families who were issued a notice of termination to vacate an apartment complex in Pajaro within 60 days, or take an offer to receive a payment of up to two months’ rent to leave by Nov. 20, as the owners work to address issues with the property.
Dozens of Pajaro residents facing eviction during the holiday season organize and fundraise – Monterey County Weekly, November 2023
Community Bridges has raised $63,000 to help the tenants with rent, deposits or hotels. That includes a $50,000 grant from the Community Foundation for Monterey County, and $13,000 from over 100 donors via a GoFundMe campaign.
Reading For Flood Victims – Good Times, November 2023
Local literary heavyweights are coming together for Pajaro Rising, a fundraiser that puts the spotlight on those still dealing with the aftermath of the Pajaro floods. The event will take place Nov. 30 at the Cowell Hay Barn on the UCSC campus and all proceeds will go to Community Bridges, one of the main nonprofits helping with relief and recovery.
Decenas de familias desalojadas en la comunidad de Pájaro en el condado Monterey – Telemundo 48, November 2023
La organización Puentes de la comunidad ha estado apoyando a los afectados. “Lo que él quiere hacer es hacer bodegas, pero también dijo que está dispuesto a vender y nosotros a comprar, pero la pregunta es cuánto”, indicó Ramón Cancino, director ejecutivo de Community Bridges.
Familias en Pájaro pasan los últimos días en labores de mudanza antes de cumplir con orden de desalojo – Telemundo 23, November 2023
Tras la inspección de salubridad a una sola vivienda en Pájaro. El condado de Monterey se alertó de una comunidad ilegalmente modificada. Esto sucedió a finales de septiembre, pero un mes después más de 20 familias recibieron una orden de desalojo por parte del propietario.
Community Bridges assists Pajaro families facing eviction – Santa Cruz Sentinel, November 2023
In the wake of approximately 24 families facing evictions from a Pajaro apartment complex as the property’s owners prepare to work through violations cited by Monterey County, Watsonville-based nonprofit Community Bridges has intervened to assist those families.
Transforming Santa Cruz County’s transportation landscape: Lift Line’s mission to bridge gaps – Lookout Santa Cruz, November 2023
Santa Cruz County is renowned for its stunning landscapes and vibrant communities, but beneath the scenic beauty lies a challenge that often goes unnoticed: access to transportation. Lift Line is tirelessly working to close the transportation gap for low-income older adults and individuals with disabilities, aiming to help make Santa Cruz County the most accessible county in California.
Community Bridges steps in to help victims of a mass eviction in Pajaro – KSBW, November 2023
The nonprofit Community Bridges has stepped in to help some people impacted by a mass eviction in Pajaro, after their apartment complex’s landlord, Rose Rentals LLC, was caught operating unlawful and unsafe housing. Now, upwards of about 50 tenants must leave before the holidays. Advertisement “To ask people to move out during the holidays is such a cruel act,” Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino said.
Elderday Grand Opening: New Watsonville Center Welcomes Volunteers – Aptos Times, November 2023
On Oct. 12, Elderday hosted a grand opening for its big, new location at 501 Main St. in downtown Watsonville, giving more seniors a place to socialize and stay healthy while living in their own homes for as long as possible. The festivities included naming a room in honor of Majel Jordan, who founded Elderday in 1981.
Writers to host benefit for Pajaro flood survivors – Santa Cruz Sentinel, November 2023
In the nearly eight months since the breach of the Pajaro River levee yielded extensive flooding and displacement of residents in the community of Pajaro, the event has inspired different forms of activism from rallies to forums on its wider impact and how people can take action. On Nov. 30, an event at UC Santa Cruz will take on a more literary approach. The university, in conjunction with Bookshop Santa Cruz, will host Pajaro Rising, an event featuring five writers sharing literary insights on the disaster and raising funds for Community Bridges.
Top 10 ways to volunteer and help fight hunger this November in Santa Cruz County – Lookout Santa Cruz, November 2023
This month, the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County has compiled a list of 10 organizations who could use your time and expertise to fight hunger in our community. Many of these organizations have multiple volunteer jobs that need to be filled and love to work with groups. Consider giving a day of service with your colleagues, family, or friends this holiday season.
Live Oak School District, seniors services clash over ‘illegal’ requirement to support teacher housing bond – Lookout Santa Cruz, October 2023
The parties have been in negotiations on extending a lease since then, and by last month appeared to be close to a two-year lease agreement, said Tony Nuñez, spokesperson for Community Bridges, a local nonprofit that runs Meals on Wheels. But then, he said, the district added a requirement to the lease that the seniors organizations publicly endorse the district’s planned teacher housing bond.
Unlocking hope: Elderday Adult Day Health Care’s grand opening marks a milestone in Santa Cruz County – Lookout Santa Cruz, October 2023
Since its establishment in 1981, Elderday has been a lifeline for countless older adults, offering a wide range of crucial services. These services include nursing care, physical and occupational therapies, access to mental health resources, therapeutic activities, nutritious meals, and regular social interaction. The core mission of Elderday has always revolved around the well-being of vulnerable older adults, aiming to help them live in their own homes and lead fulfilling lives.
Community Bridges celebrates opening of new Elderday center – Santa Cruz Sentinel, October 2023
“I am so incredibly grateful for today as we gather here for a truly momentous occasion that encapsulates the very essence of our community’s compassion, dedication and the power of working together,” said Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino. “It’s with immense pride and joy that we are here to celebrate the grand opening of the new state-of-the-art facility for Elderday Adult Day Health Care.”
Mountain Affair to honor longtime food pantry volunteer – Press Banner, October 2023
Longtime food pantry volunteer Shelley Young will receive the Green Heart Award at the 38th annual Mountain Affair benefiting Mountain Community Resources. The fundraiser event will be held Friday, Oct. 20, from 5-9pm at Ristorante Casa Nostra in Ben Lomond. Named for Mary Hammer, one of Mountain Community Resources founders, the Green Heart Award honors individuals supporting the Community Bridges program.
Elderday unveils its new senior day center – The Pajaronian, October 2023
After more than a year of construction, Community Bridges cut the ribbon on its newly relocated Elderday Adult Day Health Care center, which offers a host of medical, social and nutritional services for older adults and people with disabilities. The addition adjacent to Community Bridges’ Watsonville Headquarters at 519 Main St. “signifies the profound impact of both the sustainability of the program, and the health and wellbeing of our beloved older adults in our entire Central Coast,” said CEO Raymon Cancino.
Pajaro Flood Victims Still Rebuilding – Good Times, October 2023
Tony Nuñez, the communications manager for Community Bridges, says that many of the families who are still reaching out for help need assistance paying rent or buying groceries. “A lot of people were living paycheck to paycheck during this and something like [the floods] completely depleted all of their savings,” Nuñez-Palomino says.
Five UC Santa Cruz projects awarded grant funding to tackle climate change challenges – Lookout Santa Cruz, October 2023
Together with community partners—including Community Bridges, the Monterey Bay Central Labor Council, and the Santa Cruz County Office of Response, Recovery & Resilience—research teams will study what’s driving migration to the WUI, from affordability pressures to lifestyle choices; the demographics of this migration; and resulting dynamics, like growing commute sheds and vulnerability to hazards.
5 Amazing Volunteer Organizations In Watsonville – Patch, October 2023
Community Bridges: With 10 program options, this organization connects community members with essential services for children, families and seniors. Community Bridges offers programs that increase access to transportation, nutritional food, healthcare and more. Volunteers can support this organization in several ways, including by delivering meals to seniors, leading a program activity or assisting in the office. Learn more at communitybridges.org.
Medi-Cal rules prompt enrollment drop in Santa Cruz County – Santa Cruz Local, October 2023
From June through July of this year, 11,415 Santa Cruz County Medi-Cal patients were due for re-enrollment, according to data from the California Department of Health Care Services. Many former Medi-Cal patients may not have known about the re-enrollment process, said Ray Cancino, CEO of the Santa Cruz County-based nonprofit group Community Bridges. He said he was especially concerned about people who joined during the past three years, including people without legal residency.
Decades of dedication: Lisa Berkowitz’s lifelong commitment to Meals on Wheels – Lookout Santa Cruz, September 2023
Lisa, the heart and soul of Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County almost since its inception, recently completed a remarkable 44-year career with this essential social service safety net program, and is handing the reins to Darren Daley, a community-minded leader with a decade of community development experience in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors who joined Community Bridges in June.
Slow recovery continues after Pajaro flood – Santa Cruz Local, September 2023
Operating throughout Santa Cruz County, Community Bridges splits the caseload of Pajaro residents with Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Monterey. They have side-by-side offices in the Pajaro recovery center.
Six months after levee breach, Pajaro residents face difficult road ahead – KAZU, September 2023
Community Bridges has helped residents navigate FEMA appeals, file insurance claims, and locate housing options. In addition to the high cost of living, the agricultural fields surrounding Pajaro were damaged.
Community Bridges readies for Lift Line service expansion – Santa Cruz Sentinel, September 2023
Community Bridges’ Lift Line program is about to get a big lift of its own. The Lift Line Access for All service launching later this month will offer door-to-door transportation for all county residents with disabilities to any destination within Santa Cruz County at a flat-rate fee of $5. Income-eligible older adults and people with disabilities currently using the already existing Lift Line program can continue to do so at no cost.
Pajaro levee repairs underway but questions remain – KSBW, August 2023
“It’s really hard though because these families have to start from zero again their savings that they might have taken 10-15 years to put together was probably wiped out because they used it in the last flood,” said Ray Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges, an organization that played a key role in getting flood victims connected with resources and services.
Months after Pajaro flood, repair crews race against winter rain – Santa Cruz Local, August 2023
As the shelter program ends, Monterey County leaders continue to work with Catholic Charities and Community Bridges to connect displaced people with housing vouchers and money, according to a statement from the Monterey County Department of Emergency Management.
Kaiser Permanente offers emergency financial assistance to the town of Pajaro after a flooding disaster in Monterey County – Look insideKP, August 2023
Community Bridges, a local nonprofit social services agency, has been a major player in the recovery effort. The nonprofit received a $90,000 grant from Kaiser Permanente for bilingual case management, so it could continue to help families like the Sosas. Additionally, Kaiser Permanente employees in San Jose, Santa Clara, and Santa Cruz donated a total of $7,000, which the organization matched, bringing total support to $104,000.
Monterey County looks at a long-term recovery planning committee to rebuild Pajaro – KSBW, August 2023
Community Bridges is one of the organizations helping flood victims. Since March, they have given out more than $1.2 million in grants to those affected and said they still have funds available. “People are still trickling in for the initial 500-dollar grant, so that’s great. We’ve been doing a lot of outreach and advertising that funds are still available.”
Community Bridges seeks to dispel myths surrounding food assistance in Santa Cruz County – Good Times, July 2023
The WIC Community Innovation and Outreach Project (WIC CIAO) grant is awarded to 36 programs nationwide and the WIC program here is one of its distinguished recipients. The award is given to organizations involved in efforts to develop innovative outreach strategies to boost awareness and participation in the program.
Santa Cruz County is graying and the impending silver tsunami has service providers worried – Lookout Santa Cruz, July 2023
Mark Johannessen, a local attorney who sits on the county’s Seniors Commission, said the space is where Meals on Wheels — a lifeline for low-income seniors — prepares all of its food. Without that building, Johannessen said there “is no other place for Meals on Wheels to prepare their food.” He said the sides are still negotiating a potential long-term lease.
Global nonprofit leader named new Santa Cruz County Meals on Wheels director – Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 2023
More than a decade of community development experience in different sectors both locally and abroad has brought Darren Daley back to the Central Coast, where he was recently named as the director of Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County.
County’s storm aid program has doled out over $450K to hundreds of households – Monterey County Weekly, July 2023
Per county guidelines, nonprofits were required to disburse their first phase of funds by the end of the fiscal year, on June 30. On United Way’s side, Community Bridges distributed more than $170,000 to residents while Door to Hope gave out nearly $38,000; that money went to more than 330 households, with the majority (around 270) located in the Pajaro area. Catholic Charities disbursed over $248,000 to more than 350 households.
Community Bridges opens temporary resource center in Pajaro – The Pajaronian, July 2023
Community Bridges and Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey have teamed up to open a satellite resource center in Pajaro to provide disaster services for families recovering from the floods that inundated the region earlier this year.
From Soquel to Pajaro, fundraisers put the focus on farms, farmworkers – Lookout Santa Cruz, July 2023
On July 30, Community Bridges’ Farm to Fork Gala returns for its eighth year, and for the first time the Santa Cruz County nonprofit is partnering with Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains, an organization that promotes wines and wineries in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Quick Bites | Farm to Fork dinner supports Pajaro Valley farmers and farmworkers – Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 2023
The Community Bridges Farm to Fork Gala, 4-8 p.m. July 30 at 417 Salinas Road, is raising financial relief funds for local farmers and farmworkers affected by this year’s storms and floods.
Farm to Fork Gala to benefit flood-impacted farmers – The Pajaronian, July 2023
Community Bridges’ annual Farm to Fork Gala is back for its eighth year, and this year the Santa Cruz County nonprofit has teamed up with the Wines of the Santa Cruz Mountains to help raise financial relief funds for farmers and farmworkers affected by this year’s storms and floods in the Pajaro Valley, with a portion of the proceeds helping support Community Bridges’ family of 10 programs.
Community Bridges opens temporary resource center in Pajaro – Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 2023
With a need for impacted residents to have financial assistance and other resources, and with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s temporary shelter services in Monterey County set to expire July 31, Community Bridges wants to ensure that those affected by the flood have the tools they need to sustain the impacts over the long term. The local nonprofit has partnered with the Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey to establish a temporary resource center on Porter Drive.
Federal grant funds Santa Cruz County WIC outreach to immigrants and farmworkers – Lookout Santa Cruz, July 2023
In a momentous move to recognize and support their innovative, grassroots outreach the federal government has bestowed a generous grant upon Community Bridge’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program. Selected as one of only 36 programs nationwide, and one of two in California, Community Bridges’ WIC program emerged victorious in the highly competitive WIC Community Innovation and Outreach Project (WIC CIAO) funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service.
Temporary resource center opens in Pajaro to help residents affected by the flood. – Monterey County Weekly, July 2023
To help the families who were affected and displaced during the storms, two nonprofits—Community Bridges, a Watsonville organization that has been at the forefront of aiding Pajaro residents, and Catholic Charities for the Diocese of Monterey—have teamed up to provide services for Pajaro residents.
Piecemeal approach to Pajaro aid leaves farmworkers, community straining to move forward – Lookout Santa Cruz, April 2023
Community Bridges spokesperson Tony Nuñez said the organization has distributed more than $650,000 to families and has also been helping affected residents apply for FEMA aid.
Local Nonprofits: First on the Scene in Pajaro, and There to Stay – California Local, April 2023
Community Bridges, a local organization with resource centers across Santa Cruz County, and one of the largest recipients of aid from both community foundations, has distributed $550,000 in cash aid to more than 1,500 Pajaro residents since the levee failed. Tony Nuñez, communications manager for Community Bridges, says they had staff at the evacuation site within hours of the levee’s failure.
US DOT Announces First Thriving Communities Program Grants – Streets Blog, April 2023
In Watsonville, the Santa Cruz Regional Transportation Commission, Community Bridges, and the city of Watsonville will prepare an equity analysis of the existing transportation network in Watsonville. The local partners will develop a set of road safety and context sensitive design solutions, including road diets on state highways, a trail network, and the deployment of electric vehicle charging facilities in low-income neighborhoods.
Residentes de Pájaro afectados por las inundaciones recibirán ayuda de $500 – Telemundo 48, April 2023
La organización dice que cuenta con $300,000 para repartir y que, de ellos, $55,000 fueron donados por el grupo mexicano de rock Maná, a través de sus recientes conciertos en San José y Oakland.
California floods put migrant community especially at risk, advocates fear – ABC News, April 2023
Pajaro is an unincorporated community that sits about 90 miles south of San Francisco. It is 92% Hispanic and slightly more than 18% of the 3,000 residents live under the poverty line, according to one estimate. “I see my grandfather in a lot of these older workers. It hurts me when people fail to recognize their hard work, their humility,” said Ray Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges, a nonprofit that is helping the flood victims.
Community Bridges is committed to transparency and equity – The Pajaronian, April 2023
At the same time, Community Bridges has been determined to ensure that 100% of the funds donated to our Pajaro Storm Relief fund will be used as hundreds of donors envisioned: direct financial relief for Pajaro residents. We have partnered with Community Foundations of Santa Cruz and Monterey counties and other local foundations to make that vision a reality.
Storm-impacted CA communities could receive long-awaited FEMA help – ABC 7, April 2023
“Monterey County and also more specifically Pajaro has a fairly high incidence of undocumented individuals living in that community,” said Raymon Cancino, CEO of local nonprofit Community Bridges, “Which means that a lot of the folks are not going to be eligible for FEMA support.”
“Now the people who were living paycheck to paycheck are in several thousand dollars of debt and will incur several thousand more just to try to rebuild, just to clean up period,” said Tony Nunez. He is with Community Bridges, a nonprofit assisting with disaster recovery. “There’s no way to describe it other than a humanitarian crisis.”
They grow America’s strawberries. A vicious flood made them climate migrants – The Guardian, March 2023
The flooding in Pajaro will deepen the housing crisis, said Cancino of Community Bridges. “We could be looking at gentrification, relocation and displacement,” he said. “Some people may end up returning to their home countries. And they might not come back.”
Taylor Farms and Driscoll’s partner up to donate $2M in disaster relief funds – KSBW, March 2023
Driscoll’s said they also raised more than $1 million in relief funds which include direct donations to Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes, the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Cruz County, Community Bridges, the Santa Cruz County Community Foundation and the Casa De La Cultura Center.
Guest Commentary | Pajaro floods: Community groups step up – Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 2023
There is much work ahead. We’ll need to coordinate clean up, support repairs, help families decide between salvage or total loss, and hold tenant and legal rights workshops. Meanwhile, we continue to support families through this same process in the San Lorenzo Valley, Soquel, Capitola, and Watsonville from the ongoing storms.
Why wasn’t FEMA on the ground in Pajaro after the floods? – Monterey County Weekly, March 2023
“We can’t wait for federal and state dollars to come in and provide these services,” says Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino, whose Watsonville-based nonprofit is providing direct financial support and other aid to impacted locals. “The short answer is that it takes a long time for the federal government to show up.”
In lieu of government support, local nonprofits step up relief efforts in Pajaro – Monterey County Weekly, March 2023
Among such groups is Community Bridges, the Watsonville-based nonprofit predominantly serving Santa Cruz County but also active in North Monterey County. Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino notes that Pajaro’s location on the border of Monterey and Santa Cruz counties places Pajaro residents in an awkward position as far as public services are concerned – making them even more reliant on organizations like his.
Popular Latin pop rock band helps Pajaro Valley flood victims – KTVU, March 2023
Mana performed Friday night at the SAP Center. The band is donating a portion of the proceeds to go toward relief efforts, as they said they want to use their music to help flood victims.
Maná and Alejandro Fernández for a Good Cause – Billboard, March 2023
Alejandro Fernández and Maná have joined forces to support the victims of the recent flooding in Northern California’s Pajaro Valley. Partnering with Live Nation, the Mexican acts will be donating a portion of the proceeds from their forthcoming Bay Area shows to the Community Bridges organization.
Community Bridges receives donation from Driscoll’s – Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 2023
Community Bridges, a Watsonville-based nonprofit that provides services to the community year-round, has been especially busy lately. In the wake of the floods that have resulted in evacuations throughout northern Monterey County and southern Santa Cruz County, the agency has received hundreds of donations from throughout the region and beyond, including one local but nationally known fruit company.
Pajaro Valley flood victims in desperate need of help – KTVU, March 2023
Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino urged the governor to work with local lawmakers, that each family should get an additional $1,500 to help them get back on their feet.
Pajaro flood relief workers call out Newsom, say aid is old money: ‘It’s a slap in the face’ – San Francisco Chronicle, March 2023
California storm relief workers on Thursday criticized Gov. Gavin Newsom for announcing during a recent news conference in response to the Pajaro flooding disaster that farmworkers would receive $600 checks, calling that statement a misrepresentation of money that was allocated last year for COVID-19 pandemic relief.
Pajaro levee breach: Newsom urged to provide aid for those left out of relief – San Francisco Chronicle, March 2023
Monterey County officials on Wednesday urged Gov. Gavin Newsom to provide disaster relief for undocumented residents and farmworkers in the town of Pajaro in the aftermath of “life-threatening” flooding from a levee breach on the Pajaro River last weekend. Undocumented residents and farmworkers, many of whom are immigrants and low-income, do not have access to federal aid or fear requesting assistance due to their immigration status, county officials and advocates say.
Mexican pop stars join forces in support of Pajaro Valley relief efforts – The Mercury News, March 2023
Mexican pop music megastars Mana and Alejandro Fernandez — two acts whose combined worldwide album sales clock in at well over 50 million — are joining forces with promoter Live Nation to aid Pajaro Valley flood victims. Both artists will be donating a portion of their upcoming Bay Area shows to Community Bridges.
Relief arrives for flooded California community – FOX Weather, March 2023
Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino on helping residents impacted by major flooding in Pajaro, California.
Pajaro River levee breach severely impacts residents – KTVU, March 2023
The amount of damage from the Pajaro River levee breach is still escalating as another storm surge hits California. Chief Executive Officer of Community Bridges in Watsonville, Ray Cancino, joins us to give a first-hand account of this dire situation.
Agencies pitch in to help evacuees following flooding in Pajaro Valley – Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 2023
Tony Nunez, marketing and communications manager for Community Bridges, wrote via email that most of the nonprofit’s storm-related efforts are focused around South County but was also preparing to address Tuesday’s storms that are expected to impact the northern part of the county and the older adult neighborhoods in Watsonville near the levee. One of the first things it did was deploy its mobile laundry trailer to provide evacuees access to washers and dryers, complete with detergent.
Santa Cruz County CalFresh, Medi-Cal recipients to see less money, more paperwork – Santa Cruz Local, March 2023
About 31,000 Santa Cruz County residents who receive food money through CalFresh are expected to receive fewer dollars in April when a pandemic related program expires. Nearly 86,000 county residents on Medi-Cal health insurance also must renew their coverage starting in June.
Volunteers wanted as Meals on Wheels prepares for next phase – Santa Cruz Local, March 2023
Meals on Wheels of Santa Cruz County is hosting its 10th annual Food for the Heart luncheon fundraiser next week, which comes as the organization faces relocation and a shortage of volunteers. Run by Community Bridges, the program has been serving meals to older adults in the county for almost 50 years — with over 10 million meals served during that time.
Eviction decision tabled for Meals on Wheels – The Pajaronian, February 2023
The Live Oak School District (LOSD) Board of Trustees on Wednesday tabled a decision of whether to enforce an eviction notice to the senior programs using their building in Live Oak. But LOSD has announced its intentions to build teacher housing at the site, and last year gave the organizations a June eviction notice. The delay will allow the board to consider the possibility of including the senior services organization in future development plans.
Se desconoce el futuro de la sede de Meals on Wheels – Noticias Ya Costa Central, February 2023
Se desconoce el futuro de un centro que brinda recursos a personas mayores en Live Oak. Adriana Frederick Sutton explica qué situación podría afectar las comidas que reciben decenas de adultos mayores.
Comida sobre Ruedas de Santa Cruz podría reubicarse – Telemundo, February 2023
Los servicios de comida de Santa Cruz, Comida sobre Ruedas, una organizacion sin fines de lucro que atienden adultos, que opera por Fuentes Comunitarios, podrían terminarse en la ubicación de la sede, algo que le preocupa a muchos adultos.
Live Oak School District board will vote to evict Meals on Wheels – Santa Cruz Sentinel, February 2023
“After ongoing conversations and communications with the Live Oak School District, they put something on their meeting agenda without communicating it to us,” said Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino. “We were all caught off guard, especially without any future plan or project.”
Live Oak School District to decide fate of senior programs – The Pajaronian, February 2023
“We know this is not a permanent location,” says Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino. “We know that we have not been wanted, yet I think there is a reality that we have only asked for one thing, which is more time. More time for us to make the right decision in choosing the right location and investing in the right program”
Changes proposed to Women, Infants and Children program – The Pajaronian, February 2023
Santa Cruz County’s WIC program is overseen by Community Bridges. “I am super excited about the proposed changes to the WIC Food Package,” said Santa Cruz County WIC Director Dana Wagner. “There is more variety and healthier food options for families. These changes would allow low-income families to purchase high quality foods that might not normally be available to them. It is a huge win.”
Community Bridges recibe medio millón de dólares para ampliar los servicios para personas mayores – Noticias Ya Costa Central, February 2023
El dinero servira para extender los programas y poder tener mas trabajoders sociales que puedan asistir a las personas de la tercera edad en el programa Elderday Adult Day Health Care.
They were at the bull’s-eye of the Bay Area storms. Now, these communities are in economic crisis – San Francisco Chronicle, February 2023
“Disaster resources are intimidating to most people,” said Ray Cancino, CEO of Santa Cruz nonprofit Community Bridges. “There are a lot of hidden realities why people don’t ask for help.” Some families are afraid because of their immigration status, Cancino said. Others are afraid of being displaced if inspectors deem their homes unsafe or ineligible to be rebuilt.
Homeowners Return to Unhealthy Conditions After Storms – Good Times, January 2023
Since the first storm on New Year’s Eve, Community Bridges has been going door to door in Watsonville and Felton communities, as well as sending text messages with services available to prepare for and respond to storm damage, including short and long-term health threats. Over 350 people have filled out their winter storm assessments, allowing them to be connected with the best local resources.
Live Oak Senior Center leaders seek space in teacher housing project – Santa Cruz Local, January 2023
Senior center leaders have said the property’s mid-county location is a central place to prepare and deliver meals to older residents in the county through its Meals on Wheels program. The center is also on a bus line, which facilitates wide participation in other services. “It’s such a great location for us,” said Community Bridges spokesperson Tony Nuñez. “We’d like to stay there if possible.”
Storms in January have prompted evacuations, floods, slides, road closures and damage. Santa Cruz Local’s Winter Storm Resources page aims to provide emergency information and answers to common questions.
“We’re doing these webinars right now, but then come Friday morning, I think we’ll probably be out in the community again, trying to get people prepared with sandbags. And get people prepared with emergency radios and food and water,” Tony Nuñez, communications manager for local nonprofit Community Bridges, said of his agency’s current balancing act. “So it almost feels like we’re doing it all over again trying to get ready for Saturday.”
“The fact is that a lot of folks are living at precarious levels,” said Ray Cancino, Community Bridges CEO, a nonprofit which serves low-income residents in Watsonville and throughout Santa Cruz County. “The majority of what is impacted is literally all senior housing units, 55 and older low income communities.”
Community Bridges pauses in-person Elderday services as COVID numbers rise – Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 2022
Elderday provides care for about 150 elderly county residents every year who suffer from complex medical conditions, disabilities and dementia. However, because that population is also considered to be at high risk of a negative outcome following a COVID-19 infection, it has paused in-person services for two to three weeks and a minimum of 10 days beginning Dec. 15.
Meals on Wheels in Live Oak gets six-month lease extension – Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 2022
“It allows us more time to have an appropriate response in terms of being able to find a permanent location for Meals on Wheels,” said Ray Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges, the organization providing administrative support and oversight for the meal service. “We obviously have contingency plans, but those plans are really hard on staff and how we would be delivering service.”
As life returns to normal in some displaced by CZU Lightning Fire others still struggling – KSBW, June 2022
Susan True is the CEO of the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County which works closely with disaster case managers to provide funding. “Those funds are available for fire survivors through our disaster care management managers. So, organizations: Catholic Charities, Mountain Community Resources and Davenport resource center can help fire survivors to apply for funds to help with their rebuilding,” True said.
County budget cuts to essential senior services: How you can help – Lookout Santa Cruz, June 2022
But for those who rely on Mountain Community Resources in Felton for a hot shower a few times each week, losing access to that facility results in a reduction of services for that community. This is true for the over $2.2 million dollars of services that have been lost as a result of this recommendation.
Puentes Comunitarios protesta por posible recorte de $800,000 en el presupuesto 2022-2023– KION, June 2022
Una nueva propuesta reduciría 800 mil dólares al presupuesto de la organización Puentes Comunitarios en el Condado de Santa Cruz y podría afectar a cientos de familias latinas en plena crisis de inflación. Los líderes de Puentes Comunitarios protestaron hoy en Watsonville y advierten que si se realiza este recorte, varios servicios que ofrecen a la comunidad dejarán de existir.
Santa Cruz County proposing cut to Community Bridges funding – KION, June 2022
“It’s gonna have a devastating impact on the family resource centers locally. We usually serve about 6 thousand people a year. We’re going to only be able to serve about 3 thousand a year,” Raymon Cancino, a spokesperson for Community Bridges said. “We’re going to have cuts across the board. Seventy-six percent of all our clients are people of color. They’re people from the south county, and the reality is, is that losing that funding is going to negatively affect them.”
Local service providers condemn CORE investment recommendations – Santa Cruz Sentinel, June 2022
“It was disheartening to review the CORE funding recommendations. While I do see the importance of all the programs that are currently being recommended for funding, it is evident that the panel who reviewed the applications does not fully grasp the significance or importance of our family resource centers,” said Family Resource Collective Program Director Mayra Melendrez while speaking at the podium. Melendrez stressed the importance of family resource services which she said serves more than 6,000 participants each year and provides lockers, showers, laundry, food and mailing services to houseless participants. “It feels like we’re going to need to turn our backs on (participants) due to lack of funding and investments from the county.
Elderly services search for new home – Santa Cruz Sentinel, May 2022
In that regard, Cancino and Berkowitz did have some positive news to share: Meals on Wheels secured a space to provide in-person senior dining services at the Mid-County Senior Center, after the center’s board approved a recent proposal. Community Bridges currently operates two additional dining sites in north and south county, but Berkowitz says this midtown location will prove to be a critical resource.
Guest Commentary | Community is essential in mental wellness – Santa Cruz Sentinel, May 2022
We’ve grown our Spanish programs 300%, hired four bilingual/bicultural staff members, and partnered with trusted organizations in Pajaro Valley including Salud Para La Gente and Community Bridges to ensure that we can support Santa Cruz County’s Spanish speaking community. We offer no-cost bilingual (English and Spanish) education and support to those affected by mental illness and their care providers.
Meals on Wheels facing eviction – The Pajaronian, May 2022
Meals on Wheels (MOW) is looking for a new home after being served an eviction notice by Live Oak School District, which has been leasing its location to the organization for more than four decades. The district has told the organization that the aging space poses several safety concerns, and that it is looking to convert the spot at 1777 Capitola Road into teacher housing. MOW says it knew about those plans, so the news did not come as a shock. Still, the six-month deadline is posing a challenge for MOW, which runs its kitchen, dining site and administrative offices out of the site, says Jayme Ackemann, a spokesperson for Community Bridges, which runs the meal delivery program. “We understood there were long-term plans for this site, and we were working towards our own long-term location,” she said. “But we believed we had more time to do that.” MOW makes and distributes more than 180,000 meals annually to Santa Cruz County seniors.
After 45 years Santa Cruz Meals on Wheels in need of new kitchen location – KSBW, May 2022
It also means, the nonprofit organization will lose the commercial size kitchen it uses to prepare meals, said, Carol Childers, Assistant Program Manager for Meals on Wheels. “The meals have been coming out of the kitchen next door for 45 years and those hot meals go to all of our meal sites throughout the county,” Childers said. “The building is literally going to fall apart.”
New Challenges As Santa Cruz County’s Age Demographics Shift – Good Times, March 2022
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, by 2030… older Americans will make up 21% of the population, compared to 15% today… How can communities better meet the needs of their older populations?… Elderday Adult Day Health Care… will add an additional 3,600 square feet of space and allow the program to expand its services. “We’re just really excited because this means that we’re going to serve lots of seniors with medically complex needs, have daily access to nurses, to therapists, social workers, to help support their health as well as their well-being,” says Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino.
South County residents describe their priorities for supervisor candidates – Santa Cruz Local, March 2022
Rent assistance was the most frequently mentioned priority in surveys and interviews with District 4 residents. Benito Perez, 66, is a registered District 4 voter and also works in the berry fields… He wants the supervisorial candidates to address the high cost of rent. He does not have an income in the winter since farm work is seasonal. “Lower the rents. The salaries that we make are little and the rent is so high,” Perez said. “The cost of food is rising and the gas is going up. What’s going to happen now?”
Caring for those who can’t yet leave COVID behind – Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 2022
So many remain in desperate need of assistance, legal aid, and landlord tenant mediation. We’ve transitioned from the triage of the COVID-19 Relief Fund to our ongoing Greatest Needs Fund, which is supporting nonprofit partners including Community Bridges, Community Action Board, Families in Transition, Conflict Resolution Center, and Senior Citizens Legal Services whose offices are clamoring with families looking for help.
La moratoria para desalojos en el condado de Santa Cruz vence el 31 de Marzo – NoticiasYa, March 2022
La moratoria para desalojos en el condado de Santa Cruz vence el 31 de Marzo. La organización Puentes de la Comunidad todavía esta ayudando a los inquilinos que cumplan con los requisitos para evitar que sean desalojados de sus casas. (831) 316-1822
‘Best day of the year’: Caroline’s gives $500K to local nonprofits – The Pajaronian, March 2022
Caroline’s Nonprofit Thrift Shop donated $500,000 to local community-serving organizations on Sunday in a ceremony at Martinelli’s Company Store on Harvest Drive… Hospice of Santa Cruz, Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services and Coastal Kids Home Care were all awarded $35,000, while other nonprofits such as Community Bridges ($25,000), Monarch Services ($30,000) and Pajaro Valley Shelter Services ($20,000) were also handed funds.
Demand for homeless services climbs in Watsonville – Santa Cruz Local, February 2022
Mayra Melendrez knows the pressures on Watsonville families well. She is the program director for Community Bridges’ Family Resource Collective, which includes Watsonville-based La Manzana Community Resources… Like other service providers in Watsonville, La Manzana saw an increase in demand last year, especially on the rental assistance front. Melendrez estimated a 15% increase in demand for services from 2020 to 2021… When Melendrez first started working at the Watsonville location about six years ago, there were roughly 300 Monterey County clients. Now there are about 500, she said. “I would say it’s a combination of need and word of mouth,” Melendrez said of the trend.
Lift Line on the Apple App Store – Apple, February 2022
Lift Line allows you to manage your transportation on the go. We provide thousands of door-to-door rides a year to seniors and people with disabilities; allowing Santa Cruz County residents to maintain their independence. Our fleet of vehicles furnish comfortable trips for eligible riders, and our professional drivers offer door-to-door assistance from origin to destination. Escorts, personal care attendants, and a limited number of travelling companions are welcome. All Lift Line rides are free of cost to qualifying residents of Santa Cruz County.
Emergency Rental Assistance Program Webinar – Patch, February 2022
Attention Landlords! You’re invited to an upcoming Emergency Rental Assistance Program Webinar. Hear from knowledgeable presenters about the California Emergency Rental Assistance Program, legal considerations and free housing mediation services. Thursday, Feb. 17, noon-1 p.m. Presenters: Tonje Wold-Switzer from Community Bridges, Tanya Ridino from Senior Citizens’ Legal Services, and Lejla Bratovic from the Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County.
Giving Tuesday donations can help more than 2,000 nonprofits in Santa Cruz County – KSBW, November 2021
It is the season of giving and Giving Tuesday was a perfect day to get in the holiday spirit. The day encourages people to give back, by donating to charities or nonprofits… Giving Tuesday serves as a reminder to think about our neighbors and start the season with gratitude and giving. “For us, it’s a big fundraising opportunity. We raise a significant amount of funds to help us direct children and seniors and those living in our community. So, for us, it’s a big deal,” said Raymon Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges.
Nonprofit offers financial support to Big Basin Water customers – Santa Cruz Sentinel, November 2021
Residents that have been financially impacted by recent Big Basin Water Co. outages may be eligible for two Community Bridges financial relief programs… Community Bridges can supply eligible households of two people or more a $500 Visa gift card, or an individual household with a $250 gift card. If Big Basin customers don’t live in a property included in a red zone on the CZU damage map, they may also be eligible for Community Bridges COVID-19 funding. “There are people who are struggling with such a basic necessity as access to clean, safe, reliable water,” said Ackemann.
Our Community Must Remain Vigilant – Press Banner, November 2021
On Oct. 29, during MCR’s Mountain Affair fundraiser in Ben Lomond, I had the privilege of presenting the Mary Hammer Green Hart Award to volunteer Suzie Schwilk, who was honored for her support of MCR’s food pantry program. Suzie’s efforts certainly personify the life’s work of Mary Hammer, who helped to establish the Valley Women’s Club and has worked tirelessly to support the San Lorenzo Valley. We congratulate Suzie and thank her for her dedication to our mountain residents.
Meeting Wednesday on proposed Live Oak medical complex – Santa Cruz Local, November 2021
“The facility will be served by Santa Cruz Metro’s Paracruz and Lift Line which is operated by Community Bridges,” wrote John Swift, a consultant for the developer, in an email. “These services provide affordable door-to-door transportation options for the physically impaired and elderly.”
Mobile Covid-19 Testing Comes to Felton – San Lorenzo Valley Press-Banner, September 2021
A new partnership between Community Bridges and Santa Cruz County Public Health will provide additional opportunities for free Covid-19 testing in the San Lorenzo Valley. Community Bridges, a countywide nonprofit, will be hosting a traveling testing bus at its Mountain Community Resources location in Felton for residents who desire a test. “I’m thrilled that we are able to open this Covid testing site in Felton under a partnership with Mountain Community Resources,” he said. “With the Delta variant of the virus causing an increase in infections, there has been a disproportionate impact in the San Lorenzo Valley, where vaccination rates are among the lowest in the county. The beauty of this project is that the testing site is mobile and could eventually move around to meet the community’s needs.”
Mobile COVID-19 testing bus to launch in San Lorenzo Valley – KION, September 2021
Mountain Community Resources is offering a mobile testing bus that can administer 84 tests a day. The hours for the center are from Friday to Tuesday and last from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day. “Rapid, local testing and vaccination resources will help keep kids in school, valley businesses open, and help to restore a sense of normalcy as the community continues to recover. We look forward to continuing our long history of meeting the needs of the valley,” said Community Bridges’ CEO Raymon Cancino. This mobile testing bus will be located behind the Mountain Community Resource Center in Felton at 6134 Highway 9.
Santa Cruz County caregivers talk vaccination rates, policies – Santa Cruz Sentinel, August 2021
Community Bridges, which offers health and human services in the county, announced this week it will begin requiring all employees to provide proof of vaccination with the exception of those granted a medical or religious exemption. CEO Ray Cancino said 87% of staff members were vaccinated as of Wednesday. “Part of stopping the spread of COVID-19 requires that we all act in community with one another and we sacrifice for the good of our community,” Cancino said in a statement. “There are young children and immune-compromised individuals in our community who need our help to protect them from this virus.”
Red Tape and ‘Shadow Debt’ are Pushing Renters to the Edge – Good Times, July 2021
Minority households are also the most in need of rental assistance: in Santa Cruz County, the Latinx population accounted for over half of the Covid-19 cases, and statewide the Latinx population accounts for 40% of Covid-19 rent relief applicants. “When clients hear about this, they go out and they try to find it, and then they get burned out, and so people get frustrated,” says Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino.
Name Dropping | Steven Salyer to head Watsonville Community Hospital – Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 2021
Community Bridges will receive $48,122 to plan, develop, and implement the Edible Garden Project benefiting low-income children on the central coast of California, according to the office of Rep. Jimmy Panetta. “I am pleased to announce that the U.S. Department of Agriculture has made vital investments to increase access to healthy, nutritious food for students and communities on the Central Coast,” said Panetta said in a prepared release.
Local seniors might be facing food insecurity – KION, July 2021
“We hear a lot of people that, if it wasn’t for this meal, there would be nothing in my fridge. And so it’s just really something that, you know, is behind closed doors,” Raymon Cancino, Chief Executive Officer at Community Bridges. It’s becoming increasingly harder and harder for people to make ends meet, and many older adults across the Central Coast are struggling. And the cost of living continues to go up. “We know that seniors are on fixed incomes. They can’t afford to continue to also pay their rent and their medical Medicare B, Plan B things, and that they’re really struggling to just stay afloat,” Cancino.
Things To Do in Santa Cruz: July 7-13 – Good Times, July 2021
Join the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History (MAH) in a community conversation centered around the value of acknowledging community truth, struggle, and resilience through murals with local artists. Together with MAH Outreach Coordinator, Helen Aldana, artist Guillermo Aranda, Ray Cancino of Community Bridges, and Mireya Contreras Gomez gather to share and talk about land acknowledgment, representation, collaboration, and the censorship of art in public spaces.
Santa Cruz County urges renters, landlords to apply for rent relief – Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 2021
Following the state legislature’s extension of statewide eviction protections until Sept. 30, the County of Santa Cruz encourages tenants and landlords who have unpaid rent to begin the CA COVID-19 Rent Relief application process at HousingIsKey.com, according to a release from the county… Residents who need help with the application process may also contact the Rent Relief program’s local partner organizations: Mid- and North County: Community Bridges (Live Oak): 831-476-7284; Community Bridges (Beach Flats): 831-423-5747, ext. 13.
County seeks landlords before pandemic housing expires – Santa Cruz Local, July 2021
For more than 250 Santa Cruz County residents living in shelters and motel rooms through pandemic related programs, a race has begun to find permanent housing before temporary housing money expires in the coming months … Separate from Rehousing Wave, landlords and tenants can apply for a state rent relief program at housing.ca.gov or 833-430-2122. Tenants must meet income limits and have financial hardship related to the pandemic. For assistance with the application, call Community Bridges’ housing support line at 831-219-8607 or visit Community Bridges’ website.
Name dropping | Two Santa Cruz County student inventors honored – Santa Cruz Sentinel, July 2021
Meals on Wheels California appointed Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino to the Board that oversees statewide advocacy efforts in affiliation with Meals on Wheels America.
Community Bridges trades pints for vaccines at Watsonville pop-up clinic – Good Times, June 2021
Cancino said that incentives do work—they already had people signed up for the clinic prior to the day off. He added that if they had enough people interested in “Poke for a Pint,” they might hold similar events in the future. The Slough Brewing Collective on Hangar Way in Watsonville, and Greater Purpose Brewing Company in Santa Cruz have already expressed interest in teaming up. “We want to do whatever we can to get this county vaccinated, so things can keep improving,” Cancino said.
Pop-up bike lane demo coming to Portola – TPG Online Daily, June 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused financial hardships for many in our County, but there is assistance available! California’s Housing is Key program has made more than $16 million available in rent relief to Santa Cruz County residents. Both landlords and tenants are eligible to apply, and the application can be found here. If you need help applying for the program, call our County’s hotline at 454-2332. Several community organizations can help you apply, including Communities Organized for Power in Action (COPA), Community Bridges, the United Way, Families in Transition, and the Community Action Board. Fill out this form to let these organizations know that you need help with the process.
Grants from Kaiser Permanente Santa Cruz urge COVID19 vaccination – Patch, June 2021
“We appreciate Kaiser Permanente’s leadership and role in ensuring equity and access are at the forefront in Santa Cruz County,” said Raymon Cancino, Chief Executive Officer of Community Bridges. “The funding will help us support the vaccination helpline as well as outreach and communications to target those most hesitant to access the vaccine.”
Hundreds of advocates urge Gov. Newsom to expand SB91 – Good Times, June 2021
“These actions are critical to preventing our families from venturing into the overwhelming homelessness crisis,” said Raymon Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges and an organizer with COPA. Cancino reminded everyone in attendance that the state budget is due on June 15—less than a week from the publishing of this article—and so action is needed as soon as possible.
Lunch program kicks off Monday – Santa Cruz Sentinel, June 2021
Kids up to age 18 can pick up a free lunch from noon to 1pm daily at sites in Santa Cruz and Watsonville through mid-August. Santa Cruz sites are open through Aug. 6 and most Watsonville sites open through Aug. 13. For a list of sites, dates and times please visit communitybridges.org/lmcr.
Mountain Community Resources Expands Services– Santa Cruz Mountain Bulletin, June 2021
The destruction and displacement from the CZU Lightning Complex fire, coupled with the COVID-19 pandemic, left the residents of the San Lorenzo Valley and Scotts Valley with limited options for services to get back on their feet. With many community members needing support, Mountain Community Resources expanded services and created new programs to assist the most vulnerable populations in their community. Read the full article here.
SC County housing advocates seek state eviction moratorium extension – Santa Cruz Sentinel, June 2021
In Santa Cruz County, the state operates its SB 91 program. In turn, the state is contracting with area organizations such as Community Bridges, Community Action Board, Families in Transition and the Conflict Resolution Center of Santa Cruz County to assist applicants with such things as difficulty accessing online applications or language barriers.
Creativity shines in Watsonville on murals throughout city – Santa Cruz Sentinel, May 2021
A mural under renovation by Watsonville artist Yermo Aranda draws the attention of a passerby on the wall of the home of Women Infants and Children (WIC) program on West Lake Avenue in Watsonville… Watsonville is filled with murals and other works of public art that burst with color as well as messages of strength, courage and resilience.
New mask guidelines, wildfire warnings and happy birthday NPR – KAZU, April 2021
Homebound seniors in Santa Cruz County can let officials know whether they’d like to get vaccinated in their home in a new survey. Responses will help Public Health plan for homebound vaccination efforts. Residents can fill out the survey online or call/text Community Bridges’ helpline at 831-219-8607. Leave your name, phone number, age and zip code, and someone should get back to you within 48 hours.
Emergency sheltering for homeless could get a much-needed extension thanks to new federal funding – Lookout Santa Cruz, April 2021
About $100,000 for Meals on Wheels, an allotment directed by supervisors Tuesday amid worries that not enough attention was being paid to the southern portion of the county. The program had originally requested more than $570,000 to cover food costs associated with continuing the expansion of a 5-day breakfast pack for seniors sheltering in place, but program representatives said Tuesday that any amount of funding would help… Lisa Berkowitz, the program director of Meals on Wheels for the nonprofit Community Bridges, said that by May 2020 her organization had seen an 86% increase in the average daily number of seniors it was serving.
Santa Cruz County: Vaccine interest survey for the homebound – Patch, April 2021
If you are a homebound resident of Santa Cruz County and have not yet received a COVID-19 vaccination, Santa Cruz County Public Health would like to hear from you. If you need assistance filling out the survey, call or text Community Bridges’ Bridges to Access Vaccination Helpline at (831) 219-8607. Leave your name, phone number, age and zip code, and Community Bridges’ staff will call back within 48 hours.
How much is rent relief helping Californians? – CalMatters, April 2021
Community-based organizations across the state helping to roll out the program repeated the same message: There’s simply not enough funding to help them reach those most in need. “It doesn’t bring us confidence to know we’re underfunded yet expected to serve,” said Deutron Kebebew, a program director at Community Bridges in Santa Cruz. Kebebew said his organization didn’t get enough money to fund two full-time positions. Yet medium to large property management companies often have more staff members to help tenants submit applications.
Yvette Brooks, Mayor’s message | Volunteers are vital to Capitola – Santa Cruz Sentinel, April 2021
Meals on Wheels volunteers generously spend its time organizing, preparing and delivering meals throughout our community. I recently had the opportunity to observe during its Community Champions week-long celebration to honor the brave seniors that have experienced extraordinary challenges over the past year. This event is part of a nationwide campaign to raise awareness for services that give voice to seniors experiencing isolation, food insecurity and poverty. It was truly a special day.
Santa Cruz County organizations bring resources straight to the community – KION, April 2021
Organizations like Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County and Community Bridges in Watsonville are designating food hubs to make access to food pantries and distributions easier for those with limited resources or who cannot travel far. “That’s why these locations exist is to make sure that underserved parts of our community have access within at least five miles of another one of our centers, they offer these weekly, sometimes bi-monthly opportunities at each one of the locations,” says Raymon Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges in Watsonville.
Centros de distribución de comida y asistencia por la pandemia en el Condado de Santa Cruz – KION, April 2021
Organizaciones como el banco de alimentos Second Harvest del Condado de Santa Cruz y Community Bridges en Watsonville son la fuente de comida de miles de residentes con recursos limitados y que no tienen acceso a un método de transporte. Estos les proporciona comida a centros dentro de las comunidades. “Por eso existen estas ubicaciones, para asegurarse que las comunidades vulnerables tengan acceso a un centro de distribución de comida dentro de cinco millas de donde viven, estos ofrecen oportunidades de distribución semanalmente o bisemanal”, dijo el Director Ejecutivo de Raymon Cancino en Watsonville.
Downtown Senior Center and partners help community avoid isolation – Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 2021
Watsonville-based Community Bridges, which partners with the Downtown Senior Center already for the Senior Center Without Limits program, stepped on to the scene in mid-February to offer a hotline designed to reach out to seniors without internet access who could be helped over the phone… Kelly Mercer-Lebov, [senior programs coordinator of the Downtown Senior Center at the Louden Nelson Community Center] said that Community Bridges made around 2,000 appointments for seniors in two months… As of June, low-income seniors 60 and older can participate in the Senior Center Without Limits online program through the distribution of free Amazon fire tablets. Local internet provider Cruzio helped by providing internet to these seniors as a part of its Equal Access Santa Cruz initiative, a cooperative to help families that need affordable internet.
The need to feed struggling communities continues – KION, March 2021
Community Bridges is just one of the locations throughout the county providing food pantry services closer to the people in the community. “We’re probably seeing about 350 to 400 families, we also run a summer lunch program every year which is when schools close and we provide lunch for those children who are outside of school,” says Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino.
Communities of color still hardest hit by COVID-19 in Monterey Bay Area – Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 2021
Living and working conditions have put Santa Cruz County Latino community members in higher-risk scenarios for contracting COVID-19… In order to live in the Monterey Bay Area, many “double up,” sharing rooms, smaller homes and apartments, to make ends meet. The Santa Cruz County Latino community predominantly works in essential-service sectors, such as restaurants, child care, agriculture, hospitality… putting them at further risk of infection… “What the COVID era really showed was the conditions that people have to survive in Santa Cruz County make public health [risk] more predominant and more aggressive than in other communities where it’s not as prevalent,” said Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino.
Santa Cruz County community steps up throughout pandemic – Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 2021
Santa Cruz community members felt the brunt of the COVID-19 burden, including seniors, and small business owners. Santa Cruz County nonprofit Community Bridges had to tweak how it delivered meals to senior citizens they served, to prevent the spread of COVID-19. With assistance from the city and county of Santa Cruz, as well as the Community Foundation, the organization also bought and distributed 2,000 Amazon Fire tablets to local seniors. “What we understand is there’s a real digital divide, compared to other demographics with seniors,” said Raymon Cancino, CEO with Community Bridges. “Seniors are using these tablets to meet with doctors, go to physical therapy, counseling and to see their families.”
Santa Cruz County Renters Eligible for Relief – KSBW Action News, March 2021
The federal government is giving $16 million to assist low-income renters and landlords in [Santa Cruz County.] The CA COVID Rent Relief gives funding to households who make 50% or less of the median income. If the applicants are approved, landlords could receive 80% of the tenants unpaid rent. “We’re asking folks to be patient as the state rolls this out and understands it’s not a first come first serve. It’s really based on need and eligibility,” [said CEO Raymon Cancino.] You can apply or verify eligibility by visiting HousingisKey.com.
Low-income renters and landlords in Santa Cruz County eligible for pandemic assistance – KION 5/46, March 2021
Santa Cruz County announced that local renters and landlords are eligible for more than $16 million in federal funding to help pay rent and utility bills during the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding is distributed based on need and available to low-income renters and landlords affected by the pandemic… The funds can be used to help with rent, utilities and home energy costs, rent and utility arrears and relating housing costs. Community Bridges, Community Action Board, Families in Transition, California Rural Legal Assistance and United Way 211 have been chosen to help renters and landlords with the application process. To apply or find out if you are eligible, visit the website here or call 1-833-430-2122.
Santa Cruz County receives more than $16 million in federal rent relief funding – Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 2021
Santa Cruz County is set to receive more than $16 million in funds to assist low-income renters and landlords. The “CA COVID Rent Relief” gives priority to those households who make 50% or less of median income in the Santa Cruz area. Still, those who earn up to 80% of average regional income are eligible to apply. If an application is approved, local landlords could receive 80% of each tenant’s unpaid rental payments accrued from April 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021… Community Bridges and Community Action Board as well as organizations such as the Conflict Resolution Center will be available to help renters and landlords through the application process… “[once] we put processes in place to implement this program.”
Transporte y asistencia para personas de la tercera edad para vacunación en el condado de Santa Cruz – Noticias Ya, Febrero de 2021
Las personas mayores de 65 que vivan en los codigos de postal 95076, 95077 y 96019 pueden venir al 114 de la calle East Fifth para hacer su cita de la vacuna contra el Covid o tambien puede llamar al 831-768-3279. Puentes de la Comunidad tambien cuenta con un servicio de transporte para que las personas puedan asisitr a su cita de vacunacion y regresar a sus casas de manera segura y completamete gratis para residentes del condado de Santa Cruz. (831) 688-9663 para reservar su cupo en el autobus.
Local non-profits help seniors navigate online vaccine portals – KSBW Action News 8, February 2021
Community Bridges and the Watsonville Senior Center have been helping seniors navigate through the maze of online forms and telephone calls to set up appointments. “We’ve seen seniors really struggle with their on-line appointment-making system and really having a hard time getting through,” said Ray Cancino, Community Bridges CEO. The Senior helpline was established to assist seniors on how to navigate the signup process… If you live in Santa Cruz County and need assistance with scheduling a Covid vaccine appointment you can contact Community Bridges at 831-219-8607.
County Health Director Urges Prioritization of Older Adults for Vaccines – Good Times, February 2021
The novel coronavirus has heavily impacted Watsonville, which has accounted for more than half of the county’s Covid-19 cases… Organizations such as Community Bridges are trying to reach those communities in several ways, CEO Raymon Cancino says. That includes hosting a multilingual community forum on Covid-19 vaccine safety, effectiveness and distribution on Feb. 23. The free forum will be presented in Spanish with real-time translation in English, Mixteco and Trique. It will be available online or via phone… Community Bridges recently established a helpline of its own— 831-219-8607— in hopes of helping older adults navigate what Cancino called a “fragmented” vaccine distribution system.
Santa Cruz Groups Support Older Adults During Pandemic – Good Times, February 2021
Lois Sones, Director of Elderday Adult Day Health Care, says she has seen a major decline in local older adult’s conditions during the pandemic. “Senior isolation was already a problem before Covid,” Sones said… Last summer [Elderday] launched the Senior Center Without Limits (SCWL), a program offering older adults free virtual classes, workshops and support… Once a participant joins, they can sign in to a multitude of classes, from cooking and tai chi to art workshops and sing-alongs… With the vaccine continuing to roll out in Santa Cruz County, Sones said she sees a “light at the end of the tunnel..” “Our goal is to keep people as engaged as possible, physically and mentally,” she said. “To give them hope.”
New COVID-19 vaccine site coming to Watsonville next week – KSBW Action News 8, February 2021
Watsonville has the highest number of Covid cases in Santa Cruz County and health officials are hoping to mitigate that by providing Covid vaccines. Almost two weeks ago, Santa Cruz County held a drive-thru vaccination clinic at the Fairgrounds serving the county’s most impacted population. This week, Dignity Health Dominican Hospital vaccinated 1,000 farm workers… Ray Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges is also a member of the Pajaro Valley COVID group. “Anything that we can show that is safe; that there’s no ulterior motive. It’s not going to impact, long term; that we continue to show that it’s gone through the same FDA process.” Those who are eligible for vaccination can sign up online or by phone. The county plans to release additional details about the Watsonville site next week.
Cards for isolated seniors: a Kaiser Permanente MLK Day project – Capitola Patch, January 2021
Hundreds of isolated senior citizens in Santa Cruz County will be getting a little extra joy come Valentine’s Day, thanks to more than 50 volunteers who volunteered as part of Kaiser Permanente’s Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service. Volunteers and their children made Valentine’s Day cards for the seniors, which will be included in their Meals on Wheels deliveries during the Valentine’s week… Kaiser Permanente partnered with the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County on the project. “So many seniors are struggling with isolation and the pandemic,” said Trēa Robinson, a Director at the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County. “I can’t think of a better project for Kaiser Permanente to organize on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.”
Radios could help residents stay aware ahead of debris flows – Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 2021
So far Community Bridges has purchased 275 weather radios, using Community Foundation Santa Cruz funding. More than 130 have been distributed to smaller local organizations, such as the Bonny Doon Church… If debris flow evacuations are ordered, Community Bridges will broadcast public service announcements on KSCO, 1080 AM, that will inform evacuees where open shelters are,” said CEO Ray Cancino. County Public Works Director Matt Machado said, “Everybody should have a radio and be aware because when the power goes out, oftentimes that means you’re internet goes down, but the radio still works… During a storm, having that weather info at your fingertips is pretty important, because the forecast is just the forecast.” Those living in high-risk debris flow areas can request a weather radio on Community Bridges’ website: communitybridges.org/czu-resources.
Name Dropping: Two added to Community Bridges board – Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 2020
Community Bridges announced the appointment of Brenda Griffin and Silvia Morales to its board, according to a press release from the organization. Griffin is the president of the NAACP Santa Cruz County Branch. She has been on the steering committee of the Economic Justice Alliance and on the Santa Cruz Police Chief’s advisory committee to address issues around policies and accountability. Silvia Morales is the executive director of the Resource Center for Nonviolence in Santa Cruz. She has demonstrated expertise in leading nonprofit and civic organizations in Santa Cruz County promoting diversity, advancing equity and advocating for justice, according to the release. Additionally, Nicolette Lee has been appointed as the new board chair effective January 2021. Nicolette has been a member of the Community Bridge Board since 2017 and brings a wealth of expertise in advancing policies that benefit and serve our entire community.
Opinion | Don’t Scrooge This Up – Good Times, December 2020
Reaching out to an older friend, a parent or a grandparent is never more meaningful than during the holiday season. It warms us, them, and bestows all with human connection, that is an essential component of health and happiness. Covid-19 has made keeping in touch with older adults more challenging than ever. It is critical that we find ways to support seniors and ourselves with activities that create human interactions and opportunities during this holiday season. Reach out with a phone or Zoom call, a holiday card, or in other creative ways. You can help fight loneliness and isolation by engaging in some wonderful local programs that connect seniors of all ages during the holidays. If you’re not sure where to start, consider Stay Connected at the Volunteer Center; Community Bridges Senior Center without Limits; or Senior Network Services. Reach out and warm a heart; it might be your own. — Raymon Cancino, CEO Community Bridges; Clay Kempf, Executive Director Seniors Council; Pam Arnsberger, Board Chair Seniors Council
Letter | Isolated seniors need interaction during holidays – Santa Cruz Sentinel, November 2020
For most of us the holidays are moments of celebration, but for many isolated seniors it can be a triggering reminder of their loneliness. In the next couple of weeks, Meals on Wheels, Lift Line drivers, and Elderday staff will continue to visit many seniors’ homes both in person and also digitally through our Senior Center Without Limits program. These interactions provide some of the very few opportunities seniors across our county have for human interaction throughout their day. We urge our community to seek out volunteer opportunities to make a lasting impact through program like ours during this holiday season. This is as a very tangible way to engage with one another, and to help provide a sense of community to those of us that are most isolated. — Raymon Cancino, CEO Community Bridges, Watsonville
Print sale helps out fire relief services – Santa Cruz Sentinel, November 2020
York Framing Gallery has teamed up with retired firefighter and amateur photographer Paul Babb to create an opportunity for you to help our community and get a photo in the process. York has printed Babb’s photo of the “Fire Start” in two forms and is selling them at cost plus an additional $20 donation which [they] will forward to Mountain Community Resources. Babb caught this image during the lightning storm on Aug. 16. The 30-second exposure caught the beginnings of the first fire. For information on prices or to order your copy, call 831-462-0313.
City using more than $320k for emergency housing assistance – The Pajaronian, November 2020
The City [of Watsonville] will use $320,947 for emergency housing assistance, and $160,000 for food distributions—$75,000 will go to the Second Harvest Food Bank and Meals on Wheels will receive $85,000. The rest ($25,313) will be used for administrative fees and planning. Meals on Wheels Director Lisa Berkowitz said the program, which is a part of Community Bridges, has served more than 68,000 meals to 341 senior residences in Watsonville since the pandemic began. Community Bridges CEO Raymond Cancino added that the program has also has started serving breakfast to local seniors, arguably the most vulnerable population during the pandemic. “The seniors depend on us to provide meals,” Berkowitz said.
Outdoor Mural at La Manzana Center Gets New Life, Larger Footprint – Good Times, November 2020
Work began in late October on a major restoration of a long-standing outdoor mural at the La Manzana Community Resources center. Muralist Guillermo “Yermo” Aranda, who is the creative drive behind scores of murals around Santa Cruz County, Salinas and San Diego, said it was time to refresh the paint on the 1993 Mural along 18 West Lake Ave. in Watsonville… The mural is comprised of five panels, each with its own set of meanings: The Sacredness of Mother and Child, The Empowerment and Sacrifices of Women and Mothers, Education and Resiliency , The Spirit and Celebration, and The Lord of Light and the Abundance of the Earth Project Timeline.
Being Grateful for Food – Times Publishing, October 2020
Paul Machlis, pantry manager at Community Bridges Mountain Community Resources in Felton, said, “Agencies like ours (pantries, soup kitchens, etc.) are helpful to their communities on little or no money, as long as we have willing volunteers and some minimal supplies and space… We had a woman who came regularly to our pantry for her family of four… both adults eventually found jobs, the daughter got through a bad stage, they kept the house — and one day she proudly arrived with a donation of $20 for the weekly pantry… They don’t need assistance these days, but when we see her around town, she always takes a moment to say that without Mountain Community Resources, they wouldn’t have made it.”
Community Bridges plans Oct. 20 virtual open house – Santa Cruz Sentinel, October 2020
Community Bridges will host a virtual open house at 2 p.m. Oct. 20 to showcase the newly renovated playground at the Sycamore Street Child Development Center. The community is invited to join Santa Cruz Mayor Justin Cummings, Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino and the children enrolled at Sycamore Street Development Center for a socially distanced playdate on the new playground. The event will be livestreamed on the Community Bridges Facebook page. Community Bridges was awarded $13,600 in support from the City of Santa Cruz to make necessary renovations to the worn out play structure at the center. Additional funds came through Community Bridges, allowing for the completion of the ADA accessible playground.
Community Bridges supporting fire victims – The Pajaronian, October 2020
Community Bridges is aiming to support the recovery of Santa Cruz mountain residents impacted by the CZU August Lightning Complex. To meet immediate needs for families, Community Bridges is providing direct financial assistance to eligible families. Available due to funding from the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County and donations from the community, they have distributed grocery and Visa gift cards to over 75 households. The agency has also launched a new mobile laundry service that offers free access to washers and dryers to households that have been impacted by losing their home, been displaced or suffered significant smoke damage. The trailer will be located at rotating locations in the Santa Cruz mountains each week.
Mobile trailer provides laundry services for fire evacuees – KION 5/46, September 2020
[Community Bridges] is running a mobile laundry trailer for fire victims, and this week it is in Felton. Soap is provided to people who were evacuated and are still without water. The organization said there are a couple thousand people who are in need of the services, and the idea to run a mobile laundry trailer came from talking to evacuees… “When you have bad smoke damage, it’s terrible. You need to wash your stuff a bunch of times, and it can get expensive doing that at a laundromat. That’s when we came up with the idea,” said Roxanne Moore with Community Bridges.
Santa Cruz Co. Sees More Hunger Amid Pandemic: Find A Food Bank – Patch, September 2020
Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County partner agencies— such as Aptos Pantry, Live Oak Family Resource Center, Familia Center, Pajaro Valley Loaves & Fishes and Salud Para La Gente— also offer food services and others to local residents. Food insecurity is often thought of as a “poor people’s problem,” but not all people living in poverty are food insecure, and not all food insecure people live in poverty. Food insecurity is a complex issue sandwiched in with other systemic challenges, including poverty, low wages, affordable housing shortages, chronic and acute health problems, high medical costs and social isolation.
How to Help People Displaced By Fires – Times Publishing Group, September 2020
“The requests for help we’ve gotten since March have been staggering,” said Roxanne Moore, program director for Community Bridges, including Mountain Community Resources, which serves the hard-hit San Lorenzo Valley. “The cutbacks in hours and layoffs mean people can’t pay the rent, the utility bill, the cell phone bill or even the grocery bill,” she said. “We’ve been able to be there for those families, first for the pandemic, and now in response to the fires. From day one, the support and trust from the Community Foundation has been critical to our ability to get needs met.”
Double Whammy of Covid-19, Fires Strain Social Service Providers – Good Times, August 2020
While Community Bridges has been working with the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County to get some financial help for the recovery effort, residents were already falling behind on their rent due to the pandemic, [Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino said.] “We know that once things open up, the most vulnerable people we’re going to have to address are the people living up in the mountains of San Lorenzo Valley, Felton, Boulder Creek, Ben Lomond,” he said. “It was already a very rural, marginalized part of the county with limited resources, and the community is going to look to us to help them rebuild.”
Community Foundation Aids Farmworkers During Crisis – Good Times, August 2020
The Center for Farmworker Families is one of many organizations that have recently been aided by the Community Foundation of Santa Cruz County’s (CFSCC) Covid-19 Relief Fund. As of Aug. 19, the foundation has awarded a total of $8.1 million in grants, with 100% of the money going directly into the community. Other organizations that have been working with CFSCC to help farmworkers include Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance, Monarch Services, the Community Action Board, Community Bridges, Catholic Charities, Second Harvest Food Bank, Loaves and Fishes, and more.
UndocuFund Monterey Bay has distributed almost $2 million in aid to undocumented people – Monterey County Weekly, August 2020
In a July 29 statement, SCCV Executive Director Maria T. Cadenas states UndocFund—which partners with various local organizations like Catholic Charities, [Community Bridges,] and United Way Santa Cruz County—has aided over 1,300 households. Of those households, 70 percent work in agriculture and 60 percent are families with children… Undocumented residents may have been paying into economic and social safety nets (using an individual taxpayer identification number), but they have not been part of recent federal or state stimulus packages. They also do not qualify for benefits like unemployment.
How has COVID-19 hurt Santa Cruz County’s most vulnerable? – Santa Cruz Local Podcast, July 2020
The risk of contracting the virus also made Bill and Jim stay home. So they turned to the Meals on Wheels program. That’s a food delivery service from the nonprofit Community Bridges. They’re not alone. Meals on Wheels staff says demand has nearly doubled since March. Meals on Wheels is supplied by Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County. Second Harvest supplies about 100 groups in our county that distribute food. Second Harvest staff told me that the program now serves about 40% of county residents. That’s 100,000 people. That’s nearly twice the number that Second Harvest served before COVID hit.
Evictions rise in first month without moratorium – The Pajaronian, July 2020
Tenant advocates saw a modest increase in eviction notices in June, the month immediately following the Watsonville City Council’s decision to allow its citywide eviction moratorium to expire… Sandra Silva, [the directing attorney of California Rural Legal Assistance’s Watsonville office] said the recent rise in eviction notices is a direct result of the moratorium’s expiration… to evict renters that have been hard-hit by the Covid-19 pandemic and do not understand their rights… Silva said she refers those displaced renters to nonprofits such as Community Bridges, Families In Transition and the Community Action Board (CAB) of Santa Cruz County.
New Online Program Offers Classes, Connections for Older Adults – Good Times, June 2020
[Covid-19] prompted [Elderday] staff to start looking for ways to expand and adapt their usual classes and activities to an online format. Community Bridges Executive Director Raymon Cancino had the idea to coordinate with the city of Watsonville and the city of Santa Cruz’s parks and recreation departments to create a new digital senior center… Santa Cruz County residents are invited to participate in over 15 classes per week on Zoom, a video conferencing application. Classes include yoga, tai chi, art, music, meditation and more. Support groups and computer classes are also available, and [Elderday Program Director Lois Sones] said they are developing ESL and citizenship classes as well. “We’re trying to figure out how to provide people with as much mental, physical and social stimulation as possible,” she said.
Cost of Newsom’s Cuts – Good Times Letters to the Editor, June 2020
“Governor Newsom’s proposed May budget revision sent chills throughout California with the elimination of Community Based Adult Services (CBAS) like Elderday, a program of Community Bridges. He posed a similar fate for Multipurpose Senior Services Program (MSSP) programs, which also help seniors remain in their homes and out of skilled nursing facilities (SNF) and respite care homes. I urge you to reach out to our local representatives in Sacramento and ensure they not only show support for these programs, but that they roll up their sleeves and actively advocate for their existence. These proposed cuts will only serve to increase costs to taxpayers with SNF costing three times more per person than CBAS, and result in displacement of Santa Cruz seniors who cannot find an appropriate care facility in their home county…” –Raymon Cancino | Chief Executive Officer, Community Bridges
Council passes budget as community calls for cuts to police – Pajaronian, June 2020
The Watsonville City Council approved the budget for fiscal year 2020/21 but not before roughly two dozen members of the community urged leaders to reimagine the way they allocate public funds… Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino led that push, citing a 2018 study done by New York University, the Brennan Center For Justice and the New York Times that found that crime rates drop as nonprofits multiply in communities.“The more you invest in social services, the better off you are,” Cancino said. “It’s critically important that people consider that and understand the impacts that we have of past decisions, current decisions and future decisions. And, also, why investing in our youth is important, and why it should be a top priority for our council to continue the trend that we’ve been on, which is reduced crime rates.”
Senior Center Without Limits Program In Santa Cruz – Patch, June 2020
Senior Center Without Limits is a new and innovative program available to all people over age 60 in Santa Cruz County… Seniors can participate in over 15 classes each week, such as yoga, tai chi, art and music. Support groups and computer classes are also available. All residents over the age of 60 living in Santa Cruz County are encouraged to participate in this free program… To join in the classes seniors must have access to internet and an internet enabled device (computer, smartphone or tablet). If seniors do not have a device, they may qualify to receive a free Amazon Fire tablet, while supplies last. To qualify they must be over the age of 60 and a low income resident of the City of Santa Cruz or City of Watsonville. Note that priority is given to people with disabilities.
Local nonprofits brace for budget cuts – The Pajaronian, June 2020
Gov. Gavin Newsom on May 27 released his revision of the California budget, and through it proposed to eliminate funding for Community Based Adult Services (CBAS) no sooner than July 1… This includes the Community Bridges organization’s Elderday Adult Day Health Care program, which supplies Santa Cruz County seniors with everything from at-home nursing care to healthy meals. “Shutting the doors of CBAS affects all generations,” Lois Sones, Elderday Program Director said in a press release. “CBAS serves primarily low-income, Medi-Cal eligible seniors and adults with disabilities. Families of our participants especially need CBAS now so they can return to work to contribute to our workforce and our economy.”
Participants Don’t Want the Governor to Cut Elderday Funds – Noticies Ya, May 2020
Since 1981 Elderday in Santa Cruz has been a relief to elderly families with disabilities to have well-being and a normal life. During the pandemic we continue to provide care now more than ever to prevent them from falling into depression and isolation… These services could be terminated after the Governor of California revised his budget and has plans to eliminate community service centers for adults. This could affect 36,000 elderly in California and about 90 at Elderday. The Governor has until June 15 to review the budget.
Balancing the California Budget on the Backs of At-Risk Seniors – WFMZTV, May 2020
The May Revision of the California Budget proposes to eliminate funding for Community Based Adults Services (CBAS), like Community Bridges’ Elderday program, no sooner than July 1, 2020. CBAS programs provide one of our state’s primary alternatives to skilled nursing facility placement and institutionalization. Elimination of the program will force up to 36,000 seniors into costly nursing homes, which have seen the highest instances of death during the COVID-19 crisis. Closing CBAS programs does not save the State money as the monthly cost of a private nursing home room is at least three times the cost to attend adult day health services… The public is urged to contact their State Senator and Assembly members to express their opposition to the elimination of CBAS programs. Budgets hearings and decisions are happening now so it is important to respond quickly.
Front Porch Project Documents Life in Santa Cruz During Covid-19 – Good Times, May 2020
Amy Isacson, a Santa Cruz-based portrait/wedding/anything photographer, decided to go out early one May Saturday morning and document how her friends and neighbors in Santa Cruz County are weathering the shelter-in-place era. She had with her a master list of two dozen households who had agreed to her idea—to take photos of families on whatever constituted their front porch… As part of the Front Porch Project (which is also raising donations for the local chapter of Meals on Wheels), Isacson asked her subjects to submit their thoughts in writing on domestic living during the pandemic. “I asked everyone to write something not so much about how they’re feeling now, but looking back to that week (in mid-March) when everything shifted.”
Coast Lines | Supervisor for District 2 to host weekly tele-town hall – Santa Cruz Sentinel, May 2020
Supervisor Zach Friend will host the next weekly tele-town hall with Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino and Twin Lakes Church Lead Pastor Rene Schlaepfer from 6-7 p.m. Tuesday. Cancino and Schlaepfer will provide updates on how the non-profit and faith communities are dealing with COVID-19, provide an overview of the services they are providing (and their role in providing essential services) and challenges they see for the coming year. There will be ample time for questions. It’s the same call in number and meeting ID as the previous town halls. The telephone town hall can be accessed at: Call: 831-454-2222, Meeting ID: 145384#.
Rebecca Garcia, Mayor’s Message | Watsonville moves forward to meet needs of seniors – Santa Cruz Sentinel, April 2020
One of the main reasons that seniors attend [Watsonville Senior Center] is to get a daily lunch from Meals on Wheels which is always delicious. Several non-profits also provide services to the seniors throughout the week. Project Scout provides tax assistance. Family Services Agency provides peer counseling and referral services. Senior Citizen Legal Services provides legal services. Senior Network Services provides a variety of assistance services such as money management, caregiver support and senior housing…The coronavirus pandemic has closed our Senior Center. Consequently, we continue to connect with and support our seniors. Weekly we call each of our seniors to see how they are doing. One of our seniors said, “The fact that you called us and asked how we are doing showed that you care. When I told you that I couldn’t find distilled water in stores so I can use for my breathing machine you had someone deliver it.”
Nonprofits Step Up to Prevent Hunger in Santa Cruz County – Good Times, April 2020
Programs that deliver food to the most vulnerable, like Meals on Wheels, Second Harvest Food Bank and Grey Bears, have seen an enormous spike in demand in recent weeks. Raymon Cancino, the CEO of Community Bridges… says demand has increased by 40% since the shelter-in-place order… [requiring the program to spend] $20,000 on extra refrigeration. Meals on Wheels delivers free complete daily meals to seniors age 60 and over and people with disabilities. The frozen meals, shipped in from southern California, are “good sound food, prepared well, and with reasonable variety,” [MOW participant] William Avery says. Cancino says the program aims to increase its output to two meals a day to those who need them. And though the program has benefitted from… donations and an increase in support from the state, MOW still needs funding to cover the cost of its increased capacity.
Thousands more eligible for emergency CalFresh (SNAP) benefits – Santa Cruz Sentinel, April 2020
Calfresh is the first line of defense for newly unemployed or furloughed employees facing an urgent need to provide food for themselves and their families… Under the recently passed Families First Act, emergency supplemental CalFresh benefits will increase the benefits for many households up to the monthly maximum. Additional emergency coronavirus relief is expected to augment this benefit even further. The Families First Act also established a new program, Pandemic EBT (P-EBT), that provides food assistance benefits for households with children who attend a school that has closed and who would otherwise receive free or reduced-price meals. P-EBT is available regardless of immigration status and households do not have to be enrolled in CalFresh in order to be eligible. P-EBT is not considered in a public charge test. Community Bridges’ Family Resource Centers are open and providing enrollment assistance.
Driscoll’s to Deploy More than $4 Million in Charitable Funds in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic – And Now You Know, April 2020
In addition to helping health care services in California, Driscoll’s has worked diligently to ensure that food banks and pantries have enough money and resources to feed Californian families. $600K in cash donations and $100K in product donations have been released to the following California organizations: Watsonville: Second Harvest, Casa de La Cultura, Pajaro Valley Loaves and Fishes, Salvation Army, and Community Bridges. “While our hope is that our donated resources positively impact communities in which our berries are grown and harvested, it’s going to take a commitment from the entire agriculture industry in order to properly support growers, farmworkers, and their families, and ensure families have access to fresh produce,” said J. Miles Reiter, Chairman and CEO. “We’re pleased that members of the produce industry have been committing resources during this time of need to support local food banks, healthcare providers, and workers across the entire food supply chain.”
Letters to the Editor: Commitment During Crisis – Good Times, April 2020
“Sometimes it takes a crisis for us to appreciate the tremendous service nonprofit workers provide to our community. Right now, across Community Bridges’ 10 programs, hundreds of childcare workers, social workers, Meals on Wheels drivers and kitchen staff, Lift Line drivers, advocates, receptionists, and WIC eligibility workers are still working to deliver and enroll people in essential services. Their commitment ensures our most vulnerable community members are fed, clothed and sheltered during this crisis. I want to thank my coworkers for their courage, their compassion, their dedication to others, and most importantly, for their willingness to offer support when their own lives are impacted. I hope that local government recognizes the contributions that nonprofit providers have made to support the health of our county during this emergency, and responds with real investment in our sustainability so we can continue to be a safety net in times of future crisis.” Ray Cancino | CEO, Community Bridges | Watsonville
Santa Cruz: All Public Schools to Close Thru May 5 – Times Publishing, March 2020
Clay Kempf, executive director of the countywide Seniors Council, said volunteers are definitely needed, suggesting Grey Bears, the Santa Cruz County Volunteer Center, and Meals on Wheels of Santa Cruz County. All meal sites in Santa Cruz County for seniors, including the Live Oak Senior Center, are closed due to the new social distancing rules to slow spread of the coronavirus COVID-19. Kempf said Meals on Wheels, a part of the nonprofit Community Bridges, is working to make sure people wanting a home-delivered meal in lieu of the hot lunch at a center, get one but he noted an increase in loneliness for those who enjoyed the communal sites.
Live Oak Elementary School wins Distinguished School Award – Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 2020
Live Oak Elementary School has been recognized as a California Distinguished School for its exemplary achievements in education for the second time since 2018. This year, the award was only eligible to California elementary schools that have demonstrated both exceptional student performance and an effort to close the achievement gap for all students… The district has built strong collaborative relationships in Live Oak that are founded on shared community assets and the strengths parents bring to decision-making and improvement processes. Active participation of engaged and empowered parents has resulted in effective and lasting change for their students. Live Oak School District is grateful for their fruitful, enduring partnerships with the East Cliff Health Center, First 5 of Santa Cruz County, the Live Oak Family Resource Center, the County Office of Education, County Supervisor Leopold, Cabrillo College, and many others that help schools deliver access to vital services and resources for families.
‘On the frontlines’: Nonprofits scramble to bring food to vulnerable amid coronavirus crisis – SC Sentinel, March 2020
With residents in Santa Cruz County — and much of the wider region — ordered to shelter in place, many local food programs say their phones have been ringing off the hook as vulnerable people search for help. Nonprofits Grey Bears and Community Bridges’ Meals on Wheels program, both of which deliver food to seniors at home, are each reporting marked increases… Meals on Wheels was forced to close its five in-person dining sites across Santa Cruz County. The program is now making home deliveries of prepared meals to the seniors who relied on those sites, on request. And on Monday and Tuesday alone, Meals on Wheels received about 30 new applications for meal deliveries — as many as it typically receives in a month. “We’re literally on the frontlines,” Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino said, reflecting on working to meet the rising need in the community while the nonprofit faces uncertainty.
Health Officer: If You Don’t Want to Break the Law, Stay Home – Good Times, March 2020
Before the county announced its shelter-in-place order, Gov. Newsom called for the “home isolation” of all California residents 65 years and older, as well as all Californians with chronic medical conditions. “We are doing so with our eyes wide open at the magnitude of what that means, and the need to provide wraparound services to support our seniors in need of medical supplies, in need of meals and the like,” Newsom said at his press conference on Sunday. All Santa Cruz County seniors over age 65 are eligible to receive home-delivered meals through Meals on Wheels, regardless of income level. A suggested donation of $2.50 per meal is requested, but no senior will be denied if they can’t pay. Those looking to receive home meal deliveries can download an application at communitybridges.org/mealsonwheels and email completed applications to mowinfo@cbridges.org.
Many closed schools still serving meals – Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 2020
Schools across Santa Cruz County were shuttered Monday, the first day of what will be — at least — a week without class to mitigate the further spread of the new coronavirus. But food is still being served at numerous school sites for the many students who rely on their schools for breakfast and lunch… “Schools play an essential part in food security for our families,” said Edgar Landeros, program manager at Nueva Vista Community Resources… “With our working families trying to make ends meet all the time, and now the possibility of some furloughs or being laid off, it’s going to be very important that the schools continue to partner up and continue to offer those meals to the children that typically would receive a meal during the school year,” Landeros added.
Guest Commentary | A healthy response to COVID-19 – Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 2020
After speaking with our public health experts, here are some guidelines that will help save lives, preserve public health and assist our community [with responding to the coronavirus, COVID-19]: Follow the guidelines set forth and updated daily at www.santacruzhealth.org/coronavirus. Guidelines for a variety of situations, including workplaces, large gatherings, skilled nursing facilities and more, are available. Right now, it is vital that people shelter in place until April 7th to avoid spread… These recommendations mean that our senior and vulnerable populations will be increasingly isolated. If you know seniors, check in on them. Offer food, supplies and friendship. If you can help, Meals on Wheels needs funding and volunteers to bring food to vulnerable seniors. Volunteer at https://communitybridges.org/mealsonwheels/ or 831-464-3180.
Santa Cruz seniors to see changes in services for their protection – KSBW, March 2020
Community Bridges is taking ‘aggressive’ steps to protect [elderly and people with underlying health conditions most vulnerable for COVID-19] while continuing to provide services. Senior clients at the Watsonville Senior Center will see changes to its food servicing policy and activity schedules… “The people that we’re serving are the highest at risk in our community and so we’re taking extra precautions,” said Raymon Cancino Chief Executive Officer Community Bridges… “We’re going to stop serving people at a table and asking them to take it home, so here is no congregate dining even with social distancing” said Cancino… “As of Monday, we’ll keep 25 of the most medically frail participants [at the Elderday site.] The others will be self-quarantined at home. We have mobilized [a mobile nursing unit] in the last few days that will go out and check on these patients,” said Amy Hanley, Marketing and Communications Manager.
Coast Line | Events changed amid coronavirus concerns – Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 2020
The following events have been [postponed] in light of coronavirus concerns: • Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County Rotary and Community Champions weeks that were scheduled for March 16-20 and March 23-27 has been postponed. Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County will notify the community when new dates have been determined for these community service weeks. For information, visit communitybridges.org. • Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County Food from the Heart luncheon scheduled for April 3 has been postponed. The luncheon has been rescheduled to this summer. Anyone that has already purchased tickets to the event, can elect to keep their reservation or receive a refund by emailing info@cbridges.org.
Nonprofit Leaders Push for Workers’ Wage Equity – Good Times, March 2020
“Nonprofits are trying to balance that situation where we don’t want to cut services, and at the same time employees are hurting,” says Raymon Cancino, CEO of the nonprofit group Community Bridges. The nonprofit sector has banded together to ask the county government and other funders for a minimum 5% boost annually in their baseline funding for the next three years to help promote wage equity. They’re also asking that local government contracts include annual cost of living increases, a move that other local governments like San Francisco have already made… [Other] options include a possible social service bond measure or an ongoing request of local governments to allocate 1% of their general fund to providing social services, Cancino says.
Focus Ag Announces New Class – Good Times, March 2020
Focus Agriculture has announced the 21 community leaders selected for Class 31 to learn about agriculture in Santa Cruz County and the Pajaro Valley. The class includes: Raymon Cancino, Chief Executive Officer Community Bridges and Stephanie Connor Kent, Chief Nurse Executive, Sutter Maternity & Surgery Center/Sutter Health [and Community Bridges board member]…] Speakers ranging from farmers to elected officials to representatives from environmental groups will address the class. The sessions will cover such topics as ethnic groups in agriculture, new technology and diversity of commodities locally grown. In announcing the participants, Agri-Culture President Steve Bontadelli, said, “Community leaders will find this program beneficial and, in turn, growers who present information to the class will learn the public’s current perspective of local agriculture.”
County prepares for 2020 Census – Santa Cruz Sentinel, February 2020
Local organizations and agencies are partnering with the U.S. Census Bureau in preparing for the 2020 Census… To reach hard-to-count populations, the Bureau is working with Dientes Community Dental Care, Community Bridges, Salud Para La Gente, Grey Bears and Encompass Community Services. Hard-to-count populations include households with blended families or multi-generations, people who do not live in traditional housing, do not speak English fluently or have limited English proficiency, high density housing, undocumented or recent immigrants, renters and young children and babies. To account for the homeless population, the Bureau has partnered with the Association of Safe Communities, the Homeless Action Partnership and the Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County.
Community Bridges WIC going digital with app, new card – KION, February 2020
Starting Tuesday, [WIC] participants will be able to access their benefits through a card similar to a debit card and an app that can be used to check food balances and appointments, find stores and find qualifying food. Clients will start getting their cards at their next appointment, and all current clients are expected to have them by May 15. Those with paper coupons for Feb. 14 through May 14 can still use them until their next appointment. Pregnant, postpartum or breastfeeding women and children under 5 years old qualify for WIC benefits if they have incomes at 185% or less of the poverty level and/or receive Medi-Cal, CalFresh or cash aid qualify for WIC benefits.
Near Silicon Valley, Human Service Nonprofits Fail to Pay Living Wages – Nonprofit Quarterly, February 2020
A human resources survey conducted by Community Bridges, in partnership with the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County and the Human Care Alliance of Santa Cruz County (HCA), gives us reason to revisit how nonprofit personnel are faring in a growing economy with historically low unemployment… Even in a tight job market, almost 40 percent of the employees surveyed earn less than California’s minimum wage of $15/hour, slated to take effect next year, an hourly rate often considered as the threshold minimum of a livable wage… “More than a third of nonprofits surveyed,” according to Courtney Teague of Patch, “said they planned to change or reduce staffing to meet new wage requirements, and nearly a quarter said they planned to reduce services.”
Santa Cruz community to meet on gun violence – KSBW Monterey, February 2020
Edgar Landeros with Nueva Vista Community Resources is co-hosting next Tuesday night’s community meeting. “I think that it’s a great thing that we’re hosting this community meeting to bring both the Latino Community and the chief of police and that way we can create a safer community as well as a voice in this new license plate technology,” said Landeros. The community meeting is being held Tuesday evening beginning at 6 p.m. at the Nueva Vista Community Center/Beach Flats location at Liebrandt Ave.
Caroline’s Makes a Difference – Aptos Times, February 2020
Staff at Community Bridges were thrilled to receive a $20,000 award [from Caroline’s Nonprofit Thrift Shop] to support Renacer, the only Spanish-speaking support group for families of children with disabilities in Santa Cruz County. The group, at La Manzana Community Resources, offers workshops, resources, and peer support to parents with special needs children… The award will allow the program to continue to offer free child care and invest in new ADA-compliant books and toys for a more inclusive environment… “We are so grateful to Caroline’s for their generous award,” said Ray Cancino, Community Bridges’ CEO.
Dominican Hospital Awards Grants – Aptos Times, February 2020
Community Bridges [was awarded] $25,000 for the Wellness Navigation project, which will increase patient access to healthy food, nutrition education and other services, and will improve clients’ understanding of how to stay healthy. The Wellness Navigation Project will offer mobile health screenings, a lifestyle class, care transition referrals and food pantry distribution… [An additional] $25,000 for a collaboration among United Way of Santa Cruz County, Community Bridges, and Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance to provide support services for youth and families to promote health and wellness, college and career readiness, financial stability and community connection. The goal is to increase access to mental health services, workforce development and academic support.
Nonprofit workers struggle to make ends meet – Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 2020
The 2019 Human Care Alliance Nonprofit Wage and Benefit survey report shows that 62% of nonprofit employees cannot survive working one job… “Government’s inaction to address the growing poverty problem in Santa Cruz County is only contributing to the growing statistics,” Raymon Cancino, CEO of nonprofit Community Bridges said in the release. “As a sector of nonprofits trying to alleviate these conditions, we have limited ways to manage this growing crisis and, at times, are powerless due to the limited resources we have at our disposal to make meaningful impact.”
62% of Nonprofit Workers Need to Work More Than One Job to Survive – PR Newswire, January 2020
The escalating costs of housing and persistent low wages heavily influence nonprofit workers and result in implications distinctive to this sector. According to the survey, 62% of nonprofit workers report that they must have more than one job to support their families… “Government’s inaction to address the growing poverty problem in Santa Cruz County is only contributing to the growing statistics,” says Community Bridges’ Chief Executive Officer Raymon Cancino. “As nonprofits, we have limited ways to manage this growing crisis without expansion of funding.”
60% Of Nonprofit Workers In Santa Cruz County Need 2 Jobs – Santa Cruz Patch, January 2020
More than 220 employees and 30 nonprofit leaders took the survey, which was conducted by Human Care Alliance, a coalition of health and human services nonprofits in Santa Cruz County. Housing and low wages made it difficult for employees to live on a single job’s salary, the survey found… Raymon Cancino, chief executive officer of Watsonville-based nonprofit Community Bridges, said in the press release that government officials failed to address the county’s poverty problem. As nonprofits, we have limited ways to manage this growing crisis without expansion of funding,” he said.
Community leaders push for Census 2020 participation – Aptos Life, January 2020
According to Raymon Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges, Watsonville was grossly undercounted in the 2010 census… “If your community is undercounted, you’re getting less money for services…” When that happens, support for health insurance, hospitals, childcare, food assistance, schools, special education and early childhood development programs are impacted… Community Bridges’ resource centers will offer kiosks where people can log into an iPad and do it from there. “Our goal is to make the process as easy as possible,” Cancino said. “You are all working, contributing to this community. You count.”Patch
Growing old in a high cost of living community is recipe for homelessness – Santa Cruz Sentinel, December 2019
Across the nation, senior homelessness (defined as those ages 62 or older) has increased by 62% from 2007 to 2016. The common misconception when people think of homelessness is that co-occurring symptoms, such as substance abuse and mental health issues, are the sole cause of the growing senior homeless population and are deeply entangled with our perceptions of homelessness.
Showers, Shelters and A New Divide Over Santa Cruz Homelessness – Good Times, November 2019
Lisa Berkowitz has seen the shift [of a 64% increase in long-term homelessness] play out first hand at the downtown Santa Cruz site of the Meals on Wheels program that her organization Community Bridges runs for local seniors age 60 and older. A majority of those she sees are now homeless—about 51% of the more than 250 seniors the program served last year at its Louden Nelson Community Center site. “As hard as it is to be a person who is unhoused and having to look for shelter and food, it becomes that much more difficult and complicated for folks as they age,” Berkowitz says. “Anecdotally, what we hear from folks is in some instances, it’s a breakup of a relationship. There are a lot of folks who are Vietnam vets.”
Gratitude through Giving – Times Publishing, November 2019
“During this season of giving, I often get asked the following questions by donors, friends and family: ‘How can I ensure my donation matters, is used for the most good or ensure it will make a difference?’ Being on both sides of the fence, as a donor and as a nonprofit administrator, I understand these concerns and questions. [This article discusses] a few things you should consider before donating,” writes Ray Cancino, Community Bridges CEO. “In this upcoming season of giving, my recommendation is to go beyond name recognition and invest the time to really understand how your hard-earned dollar will be used. Taking these steps will help you make an informed decision and ensure that your money truly makes an impact.”
Community Bridges purchases property to house Lift Line fleet – Register Pajaronian, August 2019
WATSONVILLE — Community Bridges, one of the largest nonprofit agencies in Santa Cruz County, has purchased property on Ohlone Parkway in Watsonville to serve as the hub for its Lift Line fleet. Previously Lift Line was renting property on Ford Street in Watsonville, but the new property will provide a permanent location for Lift Line’s fleet of 17 vehicles. “Our purchase of the Ohlone Parkway property is exciting for both Community Bridges and the City of Watsonville,” Ray Cancino, Community Bridges CEO, said. Community Bridges’ plans for the property include installing publicly available charging stations for EVs and building a solar canopy to power both the building and its vehicles. Lift Line plans to move in October 2019 after $300,000 of renovations have been completed.
County employees follow new Lactation Accommodation Policy – Santa Cruz Sentinel, August 2019
SANTA CRUZ — With a new Lactation Accommodation Policy in place, female county employees have the support of their Santa Cruz County Supervisors and coworkers in providing the best nutrition for babies and in continuing to work as new moms. While there are lactation laws in place, “having a policy legitimizes the organization’s commitment to its workforce and ensures that all employees are informed of the organization’s support of lactating employees,” said Dana Wagner, chair of the Santa Cruz County Breastfeeding Coalition. The 13th annual Breastfeeding Health Fair and Walk is from 3-6 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Watsonville Plaza. The event will be hosted by Community Bridges’ Women Infants & Children Nutrition Program. It will include family activities, a DJ, community resource booths, healthy snacks, free T-shirts, raffles and more.
Promoting a Healthier Watsonville – Times Publishing, August 2019
WATSONVILLE — The 13th Annual Breastfeeding Health Fair and Walk takes place Friday, Aug. 23 from 3–6 p.m. in the Watsonville Plaza. This event supports the City of Watsonville’s resolution that proclaims August as Breastfeeding Awareness Month. Breastfeeding is one of the best preventative health measures and provides short and long term health benefits for both mothers and babies. Hosted by the Community Bridges Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program. WIC builds support for breastfeeding in our community, and establishes breastfeeding as normal and preferred.
Locals Flood to Fourth Annual Farm to Fork Gala – Times Publishing, August 2019
LA SELVA BEACH — The fourth annual Farm to Fork Gala, benefiting human services nonprofit Community Bridges, was held on August 3 at the La Selva Beach Clubhouse. Ray Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges, explained the impact that these funds will have on the people served by Community Bridges programs. “Donations from our generous crowd of friends will make it possible for us to install a new roof at the Fairgrounds Child Development Center, refresh the paint and repair the carpet at Elderday Adult Day Health Care, strengthen the counseling program, and add additional hours for drop-in crises services, at our four family resource centers.”
‘These are our kids’ – Register Pajaronian, July 2019
WATSONVILLE — More than 500 people gathered at Watsonville’s City Plaza for Friday’s Lights for Liberty vigil, a worldwide event planned across five continents hoping to raise awareness of conditions in the immigration detention facilities at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Community Bridges named Nonprofit of the Year – Register Pajaronian, June 2019
Assemblymember Robert Rivas has named Community Bridges the 2019 Nonprofit of the Year for the 30th Assembly District. The organization was honored for its public service at the 2019 California Nonprofits Day Luncheon on June 5 at the South Lawn of the California State Capitol.
Free Lunch for Kids – Aptos Times, June 2019
La Manzana Community Resources, one of Community Bridges’ Family Resource Centers, is sponsoring a free summer lunch program that enables kids to receive healthy lunches over the summer. Join us to ensure no child goes hungry by letting all children and their families know about this program. During summer vacation, many food-insecure children lose access to free or reduced priced meals, but this valuable program provides no cost and convenient access to meals for kids in need. Click the link in the title for participating sites.
Live Oak Field of Dreams – Aptos Times, June 2019
Three years ago, Live Oak community member, Bill Simpkins, had a vision for creating a soccer field and running path that could be a gathering place for the whole community. This dream is now becoming a reality with the long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony, which took place at Shoreline Middle School on Monday, May 20th. The multimillion-dollar, multi-year project includes the installation of an artificial turf field, a perimeter running path, lighting, and picnic tables, which together with the Simpkins Swim Center, creates a community sports complex in the heart of Live Oak.
Council OK’s service grants amidst community scrutiny – Register Pajaronian, June 2019
Tuesday’s Watsonville City Council meeting started with a contentious pushback from the public, as the council presented the Social & Community Service Grants Subcommittee’s funding recommendations for the 2019-21 fiscal years. Several community members associated with nonprofits who had their funding slashed — or zeroed in some cases — voiced their displeasure with how the subcommittee distributed the available $200,000, which come from the City’s general fund.
Can Santa Cruz Hold Onto Nonprofit Workers? – Good Times, May 2019
The Human Care Alliance, a collaborative of more than 27 Santa Cruz County nonprofits, is aiming to better understand the living conditions of nonprofit workers like Van Nuys through a new survey. Nonprofit leaders hope the results from the survey, which is currently underway, can serve as a springboard for discussions with county officials about two realities they face: Their budgets are already strapped as they try to pay workers enough to survive with the high cost of living locally, and big budget gaps loom with the state’s minimum wage set to continue increasing until it reaches $15 an hour in 2023. Now, nonprofit directors are wondering whether they’ll be able to find enough additional funding to close the gap, or if they’ll have to cut back on some of the services they provide on behalf of the county.
Lift Line acquires two electric vehicles – Santa Cruz Sentinel, April 2019
Community Bridges Lift Line Paratransit Dial-A-Ride Program is replacing two gas-powered shuttles with two electric vehicle shuttles. Friday’s launch of the electric vehicles and a ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the Lift Line fleet facility in Watsonville. Santa Cruz County Supervisor Zach Friend, Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino, Veronica Eady from the California Air Resources Board and other local leaders attended the event.“Transitioning to EVs allows Community Bridges to continue our efforts to be good stewards of both the environment and the agency’s finances,” said Raymon Cancino, Community Bridges CEO in a press release. “This program is investing in the long-term health of Santa Cruz County, and we are proud to provide opportunities to empower our community.”
Community Bridges Lift Line Reaches Milestone – Register-Pajaronian, April 2019
Representatives from agencies and organizations across Santa Cruz County and as far away as Sacramento gathered Friday at Lift Line’s fleet facility in Watsonville for a special unveiling. Two new electric vehicle (EV) shuttles and two new public charging stations were introduced for the Lift Line Paratransit Dial-A-Ride Program, which is operated by local non-profit organization Community Bridges.
Business Digest: Lift Line receives $242,000 for electric transit – Santa Cruz Sentinel, April 2019
RTC gives $242,000 to Life Line.Community Bridges program Lift Line received $242,000 from the Santa Cruz County Regional Transportation Commission to purchase an electric vehicle for transit use and two charging stations. Funding was provided through the California Climate Investments Low Carbon Transit Operations Program and is Lift Line’s third electric vehicle.
List of unmet transit needs goes to Regional Transportation Commission – Santa Cruz Sentinel, April 2019
Grace Blakeslee, transportation planner with the Regional Transportation Commission, said the [unmet needs] list is a tool to inform the community and decision makers about the paratransit and transit needs of seniors and people living with disabilities, and also serves as a reference to identify projects for grant funding…. [The] addressed needs include continuous funding for same-day paratransit medical rides, paratransit rides to destinations outside of the county by Community Bridges Lift Line, increased outreach to eligible riders, and continued Santa Cruz METRO transit services.
Emerald Bay Apartments shows us all how to be leaders – Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 2019
Besides being a top resource in the Live Oak area, [Live Oak Community Resources] has a proven tutoring model and successful one-on-one tutoring program at their home site which made them a natural partner for this project… [Additionally] The Homework Club program takes place every Thursday in the Emerald Bay Apartments Community Room and is supervised by staff from LOCR and Monarch Services along with support from a number of high school volunteers.
Homelessness concerns rising in San Lorenzo Valley – Santa Cruz Sentinel, February 2019
The unincorporated San Lorenzo Valley region of the county, including Felton, Ben Lomond and Boulder Creek, typically has offered few resources for those in need of a free meal, place to sleep and shower or to connect with service providers. Nonprofit and faith community organizers such as Mountain Community Resources’ food pantry and Felton Presbyterian Church’s shower-food outreach program fill in some gaps, however.
Grant will allow expanded immigrant services – Register-Pajaronian, February 2019
The Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County has been awarded a $731,000 grant that will allow the organization to expand its services to immigrant communities in Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Benito counties. The free services include assisting applicants who are seeking Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals and helping immigrants seeking naturalization and other assistance.
Community Bridges receives grant from the California Air Resources Board – Register-Pajaronian, January 2019
[Community Bridges] received a $270,000 Community Air Grant from the California Air Resources Board. That money, coupled with Measure D funds, has been used to purchase two new electric buses for Lift Line, which provides rides for seniors and people with disabilities.
Commentary: Housing crisis breeds opportunity – Santa Cruz Sentinel, October 2018
By forcing deep problems into the light of day, crises can focus our attention on their origins and impacts, and inspire us to work collectively to build transformative solutions…[No Place Like Home] was initiated by our community partners: the area’s largest non-profit service providers — Community Bridges, the Community Action Board, and California Rural Legal Assistance — as well as SEIU Local 521, whose members work for and serve the city and county. Collectively we designed a research project to understand how the crisis affects the community, particularly the most vulnerable and undercounted: low- and moderate-income renters.
“Public charge”: Nonprofits leaders, officials respond to proposal – Santa Cruz Sentinel, October 2018
It could soon become harder for immigrants who use services such as food stamps or Medicaid to become permanent residents under new rules proposed Wednesday by the Trump administration…“We’ve already experienced people saying will this impact us, and we want to [be] very clear to our community that it will not at this time,” said Ray Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges, at a news conference Thursday at the nonprofit’s Watsonville headquarters.
Video: La Costa central reacciona sobre la regla de la carga pública – Entravision, October 2018
Líderes de la costa central reaccionan sobre la regla de la carga pública. La organización Puentes de la Comunidad dice que no se van a ver afectados con la regulación.
Service providers, elected leaders decry changes, urge public to comment – Register-Pajaronian, October 2018
A group of service providers and elected officials gathered in Community Bridges’ new Watsonville location Thursday to discuss a proposal from the Trump administration that could drastically change rules for immigrants applying for residency…For now, Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino stressed that immigrants should not give up the assistance programs on which they rely. “Community Bridges programs are not impacted,” he said. “We want them to know that this is still a safe space.”
Housing crisis impacting city and county employees, survey reveals – UCSC Press Release, October 2018
Those who work for and serve the city and county of Santa Cruz are being impacted by the housing crisis, according to UC Santa Cruz researchers who surveyed nearly 500 people in the latest installment of an ongoing community-based effort to document how people are coping with rising costs and limited availability. In this installment, McKay and Greenberg collaborated with Service Employee International Union Local 521, whose members include city and county employees, as well as employees of two of the county’s largest nonprofits: Community Bridges and Salud Para la Gente.
What we do or fail to do: a message from our CEO, Raymon Cancino – September 2018
Community Bridges, the largest human services agency in Santa Cruz County, is stating “enough.” We will continue to protect families and individuals impacted by the proposed policy change, and we will advocate for all people who would be disenfranchised by it.
Qué hacemos o no hacemos: un mensaje de nuestro CEO, Raymon Cancino
Community Bridges | Puentes de La Comunidad, la agencia de servicios humanos más grande en el condado de Santa Cruz expresamos, basta. Seguimos protegiendo a las familias y las personas afectadas por el cambio de la propuesto, y defenderemos a todas las personas que quedarán afectados.
Community Bridges moves into new headquarters – Register-Pajaronian, September 2018
Community Bridges has settled into its new offices in downtown Watsonville, bringing its headquarters closer to the majority of people it serves. Established in 1977, the organization runs 10 programs, such as family resource centers, nutrition programs and programs for seniors including Elderday and Meals on Wheels. It serves about 22,000 people annually, according to Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino.
SCCRTC Measure D Update – Times Publishing Group, August 2018
It is construction season and the cities of Capitola, Santa Cruz, Scotts Valley, and Watsonville, the County of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz METRO, Community Bridges, and the RTC are putting Measure D funds to work – filling potholes, building new bicycle and walking paths, replacing outdated buses, increasing transportation service for seniors and people with disabilities, and designing major infrastructure projects.
Breastfeeding education – Register-Pajaronian, August 2018
Azucena Paniagua helps the public learn about breastfeeding pumps Friday in Watsonville Plaza during the 12th Annual Breastfeeding Health Fair and Walk. This event included family activities, a live DJ, community resource booths, healthy snacks, free T-shirts, raffles and more.
Breastfeeding walk, fair returns – Register-Pajaronian, August 2018
The 12th annual Breastfeeding Health Fair and Walk will return Aug. 10 from 3-6 p.m. at the Watsonville Plaza. Hosted by the Community Bridges Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Nutrition Program, the event includes family activities, a live DJ, community resource booths, healthy snacks, free T-shirts, raffles and more.
Dinner benefits Community Bridges – Register-Pajaronian, July 2018
The third annual Farm to Fork Dinner, benefiting human services nonprofit Community Bridges, will be held Aug. 4 from 5:30-9 p.m. at Aptos Village Park. The public is invited to enjoy a locally sourced gourmet dinner prepared by the Teen Kitchen Project, local wines, Discretion Brewing beer, a live band, a live auction and an address by Tom Broz, owner of Live Earth Farm and president of the Santa Cruz County Farm Bureau Board of Directors.
A time to eat, and play – Register-Pajaronian, June 2018
During the school year, free lunches provided to low-income children are frequently the only meals they get…thanks to a program run by La Manzana Community Resources, those kids can still get their lunch, and outdoor activities to go along with it. The organization offers free hot meals at 10 sites in Watsonville and two in North County. In past years, program officials say they served as many as 14,000 meals to children at 10 South County sites and two in North County. Any child under 18 can show up for a meal.
Santa Cruz looks to long-term liability with $8M public pension payoff – Santa Cruz Sentinel, June 2018
Seeking to fend off millions in interest payments in coming years, Santa Cruz city leaders will look this month to prepaying an extra $8 million of the city’s public pension obligations. The strategy is part of a multipronged approach to keep the city away from the fiscal brink, as the city faces decreasing traditional revenue sources, higher employee and service costs and ballooning deferred infrastructure replacement needs. One such financial strategy recently yielded positive results, as city voters appeared to favor increasing city sales taxes to 9.25 percent in the June 5 primaries, according to preliminary election results.
Coast Line: Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino honored – Santa Cruz Sentinel, May 2018
Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino has been awarded San Francisco State University’s Alumni of the Year honor. Cancino was presented with the award Friday at a graduation ceremony for the university’s school of public affairs and civic engagement…“I am so fortunate to have the opportunity to serve in a noble effort to improve the conditions of the world around me, and to have a platform to create social justice and equity in the community we call home,” said Cancino.
Community Bridges CEO named SF State Alumni of the Year – Register-Pajaronian, May 2018
Raymon Cancino, chief executive officer of Community Bridges, has been named Alumni of the Year of San Francisco State University’s (SFSU) School of Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (PACE)…According to PACE program faculty, Cancino “embodies the passion, skill and leadership we hope defines the work and careers of all our students.”
South County housing crisis to be discussed May 2 – UC Santa Cruz Newscenter, April 2018
The regional housing crisis is causing extreme hardship for renters in Watsonville and South County, with a recent survey by UC Santa Cruz indicating more than one-third are spending half their income on rent. “We talked with over 500 renters in Watsonville and Freedom, and two-thirds are spending more than 30 percent of their household income on rent and utilities,” said UC Santa Cruz Sociology Professor [and Community Bridges Board member] Steve McKay. “On top of that, overcrowding is a real problem.” [The study, “No Place Like Home: The Santa Cruz County Affordable Housing Crisis Report,” was produced in collaboration with Community Bridges.]
Group floats affordable housing measure – Register-Pajaronian, April 2018
A newly-formed group hopes to convince the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors to place a bond measure on the November 2018 ballot that would fund affordable housing projects. The group — Affordable Housing Santa Cruz County — held a press conference Thursday morning to discuss the $250 million bond…“The housing crisis affects us all,” [Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino] said. “We can’t keep going down the same path we’ve been on.”
Elected officials, community leaders help deliver meals – Register-Pajaronian, March 2018
Community Champions Week is part of a nationwide campaign that aims to increase awareness and encourage support for senior nutrition needs and services…The services are more than a way to feed hungry seniors, Meals on Wheels Program Director Lisa Berkowitz said. For many, the delivery can be the only social interaction they get. “We want to make the public aware of the issues regarding senior hunger, and the fact that we have a rapidly aging senior population,” Berkowitz said. “And it’s very difficult to meet the needs of this population with the funding we have.”
Santa Cruz community center challenging city grant funding scheme – Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 2018
As the Santa Cruz City Council looks Tuesday to distribute its federal community grant funding for the coming year, one local nonprofit is pushing back against the proposed spending plan. Nueva Vista Community Resources, which operates the Beach Flats Community Center, is Santa Cruz’s primary social service provider for the city’s Latino community. The program serves more than 1,500 people annually in the Beach Flats and Lower Ocean neighborhoods.
Kara Meyberg Guzman, Editor’s Notebook: The Sentinel’s new editorial board – Santa Cruz Sentinel, March 2018
As election season is officially underway, I am proud to announce the Sentinel’s new editorial board. Along with Sentinel Opinion Editor Don Miller and Features Editor Anthony L. Solis, our board will consist of five community members…Raymon Cancino: CEO of Community Bridges and an Aptos resident…The board will begin researching and meeting with candidates in late March, and you’ll start seeing our editorials with our endorsements for the major local races by early April.
Locally known acupuncturist starts free health clinic in Felton – Press Banner, March 2018
The partnership between local herbalist and acupuncturist Michael Tierra and Roxanne Moore, program manager for Mountain Community Resources happened, you could say, naturally. “We were looking for new creative things that might be helpful and fill a need here,” Moore said. Last weekend, Tierra and his wife Lesley, hosted the first “Free East West Natural Health Clinic” at MCR in Felton. The pair, along with other volunteer specialists, provided services including acupuncture, cupping and providing herbal supplements—all free—to any adult or children that attended.
Letter to the Editor, Feb. 27: Attacks on Community Bridges unwarranted – Register-Pajaronian, February 2018
Community Bridges and Service Employees International Union, Local 521 have been in negotiations for many months, trying to reach an amicable collective bargaining agreement addressing salary increases and other items. These are difficult negotiations because of the funding challenges that nonprofit community organizations are facing during these difficult economic times and the rising cost of living in this area.
Coast Line: Parent seminar scheduled for Jan. 29 – Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 2018
Triple P presents “The Power of Positive Parenting” from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday at Bay View Elementary, Library, 1231 Bay St. In this free seminar, Sandra Rodelo of Community Bridges La Manzana Community Resources will cover how to provide positive learning environments for children, use assertive discipline, have realistic expectations and take care of yourself.
Coast Line: Preschooler discipline class starts Jan. 30 – Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 2018
“Positive Discipline for Parents of Preschoolers,” an eight-week parenting class series starts Jan. 30. The class will be 6:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Feb. 20 at Live Oak Community Resources, 1740 17th Ave. Trainer Colleen Murphy will help parents of preschoolers learn new ways to understand their children’s behavior, how to set limits with kindness and firmness, and ways to encourage their children to cooperate and become more capable. Cost is $80 per person and scholarships are available.
Coast Line: Volunteer center hosts MLK day events in Santa Cruz – Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 2018
The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County is recruiting volunteers for a series of events on Monday, Martin Luther King, Jr. day. From noon to 3 p.m. at the Santa Cruz Bible Church, 440 Frederick St., volunteers will make greeting cards for Meals on Wheels participants. Contact: 831-476-7284 ext. 108 or claree@cbridges.org.
Quick Bites: Annual Meals on Wheels lunch around the corner – Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 2018
The fifth annual Food from the Heart luncheon, benefiting Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County, is Friday, Feb. 9, at the Chaminade Resort & Spa (One Chaminade Lane). The Valentine’s Day-themed event is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There will be a “tasting room” by local vendors, catered lunch, live music, a live auction featuring date-night packages and a Sweetheart Award presentation. Tickets are $60 per person or $550 for a table of 10. See FFH18.Eventbrite.com for details and tickets.
Santa Cruz’s most vulnerable may bear brunt of environmental disasters, study finds – Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 2018
The city’s most vulnerable communities may bear the brunt of disasters caused by climate change, a new analysis says…. “This [the Beach Flats community] is the last enclave of affordability for low-income individuals in Santa Cruz,” said Raymond Cancino, CEO of Community Bridges, a nonprofit that operates a community center in the neighborhood. “Research has shown that these folks are less likely to access FEMA money and are likely to have less money in their bank accounts to recover from these kinds of events.”
Coast Line: Parent workshop on disobedience set for Jan. 18 in Ben Lomond – Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 2018
Triple P presents a free parenting workshop, “How to Handle Disobedience,” 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday Highlands Park Child Development Center, 8500 Highway 9. Cori Burt of Community Bridges – Mountain Community Resources will cover: Common reasons why children refuse to cooperate or follow instructions; how to prevent disobedience and increase cooperation; and how to respond calmly and consistently.
Under threat of deportation, immigrant parents helped to designate caretakers – Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 2018
Growing stress and uncertainty in the immigrant community drove a group of attorneys, nonprofits and volunteers to offer free guidance to designate caretakers of children whose parents face deportation…The coalition is comprised of Proyecto Plan Familiar, Monarch Services, Community Bridges, Sanctuary Santa Cruz and Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County.
Santa Cruz’ annual MLK Youth Day serves as a reminder – Santa Cruz Sentinel, January 2018
Beyond play and celebration, their parents said they hoped the kids would walk away from the sixth annual Martin Luther King Youth Day educated, empowered and more aware of the community’s social activism…Participating organizations included: Senderos, the Diversity Center, Walnut Avenue Women’s and Family Center, Community Bridges, Cabrillo Black Student Union, the UN Association and more.
Community Bridges partners with the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County and the Human Care Alliance of Santa Cruz County (HCA) to study the prevalence and impact of low wages in the local nonprofit social service sector. HCA conducted its first wage equity survey an 2016 and a second in 2019, and both studies identified pervasive wage inequity and alarming impact on nonprofit staff and their organizations. Community Bridges is committed to advancing a community-based campaign to build a more just and equitable community that ensures that working in public service does not equate to a life of poverty.
Survey results and additional information on the wage equity campaign are linked below.
Nonprofit Wage Equity Campaign Overview
Nonprofit Wage Equity Brief
2019 Nonprofit Wage and Benefit Survey Results
Celebrating 50 Years of Support
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Celebrating 50 Years of Support
Join us at Food From the Heart to honor this legacy and support the future of senior care.
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