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.

In observance of Presidents' Day, we are closed Monday, Feb 17Happy Presidents' Day from everyone at Community Bridges! ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
[UPDATE - 2/13 at 12:54 PM: Main Street, Soquel San Jose Road, and San Andreas Road are now open.]Road closures across the County as a result of the storm: Main Street above Bates Creek - tree down with wires.Soquel San Jose Road - landslide and flooding1545 San Andreas Road - tree down across the roadPaulsen Road - flooding Please avoid these areas. Track county road impacts at sccroadclosure.org.Report any road hazards on County-maintained roads by calling our 24/7 line at 831-477-3999. ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
⚠EVACUATION ORDER: 2/13/2025 7:00am⚠The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office has issued an evacuation order for the following areas:FEL-E008 Felton GrovePAJ- E027-B (College Rd area)PAJ-E026 (Holohan and Grimmer Rd area)PAJ-E028 (Lakeview Rd area)To find your zone visit: protect.genasys.com/search?z=12.200611939029658Road closures can be monitored at: sccroadclosure.org/————————————————————-En EspanolORDEN DE EVACUACIÓN: 13/02/2025 7:00 a.m.La Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Santa Cruz ha emitido una orden de evacuación para la siguiente áreas:FEL-E008 Felton GrovePAJ- E027-B (College Rd area)PAJ-E026 (Holohan and Grimmer Rd area)PAJ-E028 (Lakeview Rd area)Para encontrar su zona, visite: protect.genasys.com/search?z=12.200611939029658El estado de los cierres de carreteras se puede monitorear en: sccroadclosure.org/2/13/25 2:00pm All evacuation orders and warnings have been lifted. ⚠EVACUATION ORDER: 2/13/2025 7:00am⚠ The Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office has issued an evacuation order for the following areas: FEL-E008 Felton GrovePAJ- E027-B (College Rd area)PAJ-E026 (Holohan and Grimmer Rd area)PAJ-E028 (Lakeview Rd area) We are urging residents to evacuate immediately and move to higher ground. Heavy rains, and runoff have prompted evacuation orders for parts of Santa Cruz County. We are seeing flooding in low-lying, flood-prone areas. Remaining in this evacuated area could cause a risk to personal safety and limit the ability of medical or rescue personnel to get to you. To find your zone visit: protect.genasys.com/search?z=12.200611939029658&latlon=37.03438269165504%2C-122.06004588173664ectRoad closures can be monitored at: sccroadclosure.org/Temporary Evacuation Site is being set up at the Scotts Valley Community Center.————————————————————-En Espanol13/02/25 2:00 p.m. Se han levantado todas las órdenes y advertencias de evacuación. ORDEN DE EVACUACIÓN: 13/02/2025 7:00 a.m. La Oficina del Sheriff del Condado de Santa Cruz ha emitido una orden de evacuación para la siguiente áreas:FEL-E008 Felton GrovePAJ- E027-B (College Rd area)PAJ-E026 (Holohan and Grimmer Rd area)PAJ-E028 (Lakeview Rd area) Instamos a los residentes a evacuar de inmediato y trasladarse a terrenos más altos. Las fuertes lluvias y la escorrentía han provocado órdenes de evacuación en partes del Condado de Santa Cruz. Estamos viendo inundaciones en áreas bajas y propensas a inundaciones. Permanecer en esta zona evacuada podría representar un riesgo para su seguridad personal y limitar la capacidad del personal médico o de rescate para llegar a usted. Para encontrar su zona, visite: protect.genasys.com/search?z=12.200611939029658&latlon=37.03438269165504%2C-122.06004588173664ect El estado de los cierres de carreteras se puede monitorear en: sccroadclosure.org/ Se está estableciendo un sitio de evacuación temporal en el Centro Comunitario de Scotts Valley. ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Be Prepared. Have a Plan.Unexpected situations can leave you temporarily unable to care for your children. A Childcare Safety Plan (CSP) ensures they are cared for by someone you trust.A CSP is a temporary childcare custody plan that outlines who will look after your children if you are unable to do so. While not a legal document, it provides clarity and peace of mind for families facing uncertainty.✅ The CSP packet includes forms for guardianship, travel consent, and essential family details.✅ A 4-page CSP is the minimum needed to ensure a plan is in place.✅ FREE to complete—local organizations can help!📌 Bring these documents when filling out your CSP: ✔ Your photo ID (matricula, driver’s license, or passport) ✔ Your children’s birth certificates ✔ Optional: Your children’s passports (if you want them to travel with their caregiver)Prepare today to protect your family’s future. For a list of locations that can help you complete the forms, visit SusDerechos.info. ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook
Prepárate. Ten un plan.Situaciones inesperadas pueden impedirte temporalmente cuidar de tus hijos. Un Plan De Seguridad Para El Cuidado De Hijos Menores (CSP, por sus siglas en inglés) garantiza que estarán al cuidado de alguien en quien confíes.El CSP es un plan temporal de custodia infantil que especifica quién cuidará de tus hijos si no puedes hacerlo. Aunque no es un documento legal, proporciona claridad y tranquilidad a las familias en tiempos de inseguridad.✅ El paquete de CSP incluye formularios para la tutela, el consentimiento de viaje y detalles familiares esenciales.✅ El CSP de 4 páginas es lo mínimo necesario para tener un plan operativo en caso de separación familiar.✅ Es GRATIS y hay organizaciones locales que pueden ayudarte a completarlo.📌 Documentos necesarios para completar tu CSP: ✔ Tu identificación con foto (matrícula, licencia de conducir o pasaporte) ✔ Actas de nacimiento de tus hijos ✔ Opcional: Pasaportes de tus hijos (si deseas que puedan viajar con su cuidador designado)Prepárate hoy para proteger el futuro de tu familia. Para ver la lista de lugares donde pueden ayudarte a completar los formularios, visita SusDerechos.info. ... See MoreSee Less
View on Facebook