Volunteer

Make a Difference with Community Bridges

Volunteers are the heart of Community Bridges, helping us deliver vital services across Santa Cruz County. With 10 programs operating at 20 locations, there are countless ways to get involved from delivering meals to seniors, distributing food to families, or tutoring students in our after-school programs.

If you’re 18 or older, applying is easy:

Volunteers under 18 must submit their application in person. Download our online application by clicking on the links below:

How You Can Help

Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County

Make a meaningful impact by delivering meals and companionship to seniors in need. With 1,700 seniors relying on our services, your time helps foster independence, dignity, and community.

  • Deliver Meals: Provide essential nutrition and friendly visits to seniors across Santa Cruz County. Flexible routes fit your schedule.
  • Senior Dining Sites: Assist in the kitchen or serve meals at locations in Ben Lomond, Santa Cruz, or Watsonville.
  • Support Operations: Help with logistics at our headquarters to ensure efficient meal delivery to local seniors.

Elderday Adult Day Health Care

Empower local older adults: At Elderday, we provide exceptional day services for adults with complex medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson’s, dementia, and more. But Elderday is about more than health care — it’s a place where connection and creativity thrive.

We’re seeking volunteers to share their talents:

  • Teach art, music, yoga, Zumba, and writing classes.
  • Support staff-led activities such as crafts, dancing, karaoke, or reading groups.
  • Lead beginner English classes.

Mountain Community Resources – Felton/San Lorenzo Valley

Distribute food to families: In partnership with Second Harvest Food Bank, we provide free supplemental groceries and promote nutritional awareness to support our community. Join us every Thursday from 10:30 to 11:30 AM to access fresh, healthy food and helpful resources for you and your family.

Nueva Vista Community Resources – Santa Cruz

Tutor low-income children: Join us at the Beach Flats Community Center in empowering local elementary and middle school students with homework assistance across all subjects. Our after-school program provides a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and build confidence.

La Manzana Community Resources – Watsonville/Pajaro

Mentoring at-risk youth: The Aztecas Youth Soccer Academy combines a competitive soccer program with academic support to empower at-risk youth in Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley. We actively seek volunteers year-round to provide tutoring and mentorship, helping participants succeed both on and off the field. Your involvement can make a meaningful difference in the lives of these young athletes as they strive for academic and personal growth.

Help feed local students: Each summer, we provide nutritious lunches to children in South Santa Cruz County through the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program. Our Summer Lunch initiative ensures that kids who might not have access to meals while school is out receive balanced and healthy food. Join us in supporting the health and well-being of local youth by volunteering to serve meals and make a positive impact this summer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Visit communitybridges.org/programs to explore each program’s mission, vision, values, and the communities we serve.

Our team works with vulnerable populations every day. Background checks help ensure the safety and well-being of our participants, reflecting Community Bridges’ commitment to trust, integrity, and our core values.

Wear professional, workplace-appropriate clothing. Avoid items that are political, offensive, or insensitive.

It depends on the role. Volunteers like drivers, musicians, or teachers may benefit from prior experience, while others will receive training directly from our staff.

For general inquiries, call us at 831-688-8840 or email recruitments@cbridges.org. For specific program questions, ask our front desk to connect you with the appropriate team member.

🚲 Watsonville Community Bike Rides – Let’s Ride Together!Join us for a fun, family-friendly ride with District 4 Supervisor Felipe Hernandez & Mayor Maria Orozco!📍 Meet at 936 E Lake Ave, East Lake Village Shopping Center📅 Sunday, April 13 @ 11AM & Sunday, May 25 @ 10AM🎉 Learn about bike safety, win raffle prizes, grab free bike gear, and enjoy free burritos & refreshments!🚲 Limited bikes available to borrow – first come, first served!🌐 More info: www.bikesantacruzcounty.org/events📩 Questions? Email: events@bikesantacruzcounty.orgALL ARE WELCOME! Let’s roll, Watsonville!----------------------------------------------🚲 Paseos Comunitarios en Bicicleta de Watsonville – ¡Vamos a rodar juntos!¡Únete a un paseo familiar y divertido con el Supervisor del Distrito 4 Felipe Hernández y la Alcaldesa de Watsonville María Orozco!📍 Punto de encuentro: 936 E Lake Ave, Centro Comercial East Lake Village📅 Domingo 13 de abril a las 11 AM y domingo 25 de mayo a las 10 AM🎉 Aprende sobre seguridad en bicicleta, participa en rifas, recibe equipo de seguridad gratuito y disfruta de burritos y refrescos gratis para todos los ciclistas.🚲 Bicicletas disponibles para préstamo en cantidad limitada – ¡primero en llegar, primero en recibir!🌐 Más información: www.bikesantacruzcounty.org/events📩 Preguntas: events@bikesantacruzcounty.org¡TODOS SON BIENVENIDOS! ¡Vamos a rodar, Watsonville! ... See MoreSee Less
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We’re proud to be part of the Pajaro Valley Collaborative — a powerful, community-based movement bringing together nonprofits and public institutions to uplift the Pajaro Valley. 💪🌱Together, we’re working to improve health and wellness, economic mobility, and civic engagement for everyone in our region. We believe in the power of collective impact — and we’re just getting started.✅ Give them a follow to stay up to date on this exciting work and what’s ahead! Big things are coming.#PajaroValley #CollectiveImpact #CommunityFirst #CommunityBridgesThe Pajaro Valley Collaborative is a community-based, collective impact movement composed of nonprofits and public institutions serving the Pajaro Valley with a priority focus on improving health and wellness, economic mobility, and civic engagement.Our members include: Catholic Charities Monterey Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Inc. Community Bridges / Puentes De La Comunidad Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley County of Santa Cruz Digital NEST El Pájaro CDC Encompass Community Services FoodWhat Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay Housing Santa Cruz County Health Improvement Partnership of Santa Cruz County Jacob's Heart Children's Cancer Support Services Monarch Services - Servicios Monarca Pajaro Valley Prevention and Student Assistance Pajaro Valley Unified School District Positive Discipline Community Resources Regeneration-Pájaro Valley Climate Action Salud Para La Gente Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz Watsonville Community Hospital Watsonville Community Hospital Foundation United Way of Santa Cruz County Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County ... See MoreSee Less
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🌸 April is National Volunteer Month — a time to recognize the heart and dedication of those who give their time to uplift others. At Elderday, we’re incredibly grateful for the volunteers who bring compassion, connection, and joy to our community. Every Thursday, our loyal and dedicated Elena Sprenger and Gloria Palomo lead our Prayer Circle group from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Their presence is a true blessing to everyone who joins. ✨Elena shares:“My mom came here, and when she passed away, I felt in my heart that I had to do something. I taught catechism to kids for 16 years. After I stopped, I started volunteering with Elderday. This year marks my 13th year with them. I know everyone here, and I really love it. Gloria’s husband used to go to Elderday too before he passed, and now she helps me as well.” It’s stories like these that show how powerful volunteering can be — not just for those receiving support, but for those giving it. 🙋‍♀️ Want to get involved?Learn more about Elderday: communitybridges.org/elderdayOr find out how you can volunteer: communitybridges.org/volunteer ... See MoreSee Less
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🎉 Meet the latest members of our Community Bridges family: Carolina, Miguel, Jonathan, and Alex! 🌟 We’re excited to welcome them aboard as they bring fresh energy and a positive spark to our programs! 🙌 ... See MoreSee Less
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Join the Aztecas Soccer Program! ⚽️Are you ready to elevate your game and be part of something bigger? Come compete on an indoor/outdoor team, improve your soccer skills, and embrace a healthy lifestyle while building character in a supportive environment! 💪Program Highlights:⚽️ Compete on both indoor and outdoor teams💪 Develop soccer skills and stay active🤝 Build character and teamworkAdditional Benefits:🍽️ Free meals and life-skills training🚌 Enrichment field trips and after-school activities🎓 College/job application guidance and academic support🧑‍🏫 Access to counseling, tutoring, and mentoring🚫 Strong commitment to gang prevention initiativesPractice: Every Monday from 5pm - 6pmFor Ages: 12-18Location: Soccer Central Indoor Sports, 34 Harkins Slough Road, WatsonvilleDon’t miss out—Register today!For more information and to sign up, contact Onniel Sanchez at 831-724-2997 x203 or email onniels@Cbridges.org.Building Character, One Goal At A Time 🌟 ... See MoreSee Less
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