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 will be closed Monday, Sept. 1 for Labor Day along with all 10 of our programs.We’ll reopen Tuesday, Sept. 2.Wishing our amazing staff and community a safe and restful holiday! 💚 ... See MoreSee Less
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💚 Youth services create spaces where kids and families could learn, grow, and thrive. None of it would have been possible without your support.Here’s what we accomplished together: 👨‍👩‍👧 1,583 hours of parenting classes to strengthen families 🎉 1,770 hours of engaging youth activities that built skills and friendships 🥪 5,339 summer lunches served to keep kids nourished and ready to succeedBehind each number is a story of encouragement, joy, and opportunity. Together, we’re helping young people build brighter futures. See more in our 2025 Annual Report: 👉 communitybridges.org/annual-reports Thank you for believing in our future. ... See MoreSee Less
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❤️ “I appreciate home delivery, it does help.” – Meals on Wheels participantMeals on Wheels provides seniors with reliable nutrition and a friendly connection at the door. For many, it’s the support that allows them to stay healthy, independent, and part of the community. 🥗🚐👉 Learn more at communitybridges.org/mow ... See MoreSee Less
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🌞 What an amazing Summer BBQ we had this past Saturday as we came together to celebrate our incredible employees! From face painting to tacos that kept everyone coming back for more, the day was filled with fun, laughter and unforgettable memories.The competitions brought so much joy. Our salsa contest brought the flavor, the decorated hat contest showed off incredible creativity, and the spirited CB challenge truly captured the heart of Community Bridges.💛💚More than anything, this day reminded us how special our team is. Each of you brings dedication, heart, and community spirit to everything you do. We would not be where we are today without our CB family!Here’s to celebrating our staff, the heart of Community Bridges, and to many more moments like these. 💚💛 ... See MoreSee Less
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