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.

We’re excited to welcome Alicia, Gregorio, Jocelyn, and Maria to the Community Bridges team! 🌟They’re bringing fresh energy, new ideas, and a shared passion for making a difference. We’re lucky to have them, and we can’t wait to see the impact they’ll make through our programs and in the communities we serve.If you'd like to be part of this work and join our growing team, visit communitybridges.org/careers to apply.Here’s to new beginnings and continued growth — welcome aboard! 🎉#CommunityBridges ... See MoreSee Less
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🎉 Exciting News! 🎉We’re thrilled to announce the honorees for the 10th Annual Farm to Fork Gala! 🌾🍴The Community Bridges Bridge Builder Awards celebrate those who help drive our mission, strengthen community connections, and inspire meaningful change.✨ For this milestone year, we’re honoring some of our most dedicated supporters from the past decade:Driscoll's – A longtime partner in our work, supporting local growers and farmworkers, providing essential aid during the Pajaro floods, and volunteering across our programs.Tere Carrubba & Cathe Race – Co-chairs of the Farm to Fork planning committee since 2015. Their leadership has helped raise over $550,000 in support of Community Bridges’ ten programs, which serve more than 20,000 local residents each year.🌟 Please join us in honoring these incredible changemakers!📅 Saturday, June 28, 2025📍 Seascape Golf Club | 610 Clubhouse Dr, Aptos🕔 5–9 p.m.🎟️ Purchase tickets: communitybridges.org/events ... See MoreSee Less
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FREE Food Distribution📍 Location: 6134 Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018📅 Every Thursday🕥 Time: 10:30 – 11:30 AMWe’re here to support our community with free groceries and essential items every Thursday. No registration or ID required. Just stop by—everyone is welcome!Learn more about us: communitybridges.org/mcr/------------------------------------------------------------------------Distribución Gratuita de Comida📍 Dirección: 6134 Highway 9, Felton, CA 95018📅 Cada jueves🕥 Horario: 10:30 – 11:30 AM¡Estamos aquí para apoyar a nuestra comunidad con alimentos gratuitos y artículos esenciales todos los jueves! No se necesita registración ni identificación. Solo venga—¡todos son bienvenidos! ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations to Larisa Perez, our May Employee of the Month! 🎉Larisa serves as our Social Work Assistant in Elderday Adult Day Health Care and is truly a model of dedication and integrity. She consistently goes above and beyond, always ready to lend a helping hand wherever it's needed. Her actions reflect her genuine commitment to our mission and values.Thank you, Larisa, for your hard work, compassion, and for being such a valued member of the Community Bridges family! 😊🤗 ... See MoreSee Less
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Photos from Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County's post ... See MoreSee Less
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