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:

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  • Mail or In-Person: Submit your application at 519 Main Street, Watsonville, CA 95076 (Open Monday-Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM).

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.

Volunteer Matching

We honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. His unwavering commitment to advocacy, education, and service in the pursuit of justice and equality continues to inspire us to take action.While progress has been made, there is still important work ahead to achieve true equity in the United States and beyond. We remain committed to speaking out against injustice and standing together for a more just future.In observance of Dr. King’s legacy, our offices will be closed on Monday, 1/19. ... See MoreSee Less
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🌟 Join us in celebrating the newest additions to our Community Bridges family—Elizabeth and Nelida! We’re excited to welcome them as they bring fresh energy, positivity, and passion to our programs.Interested in joining our team too? Check out our open positions at communitybridges.org/careers. ... See MoreSee Less
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Meals on Wheels Santa Cruz County is delivering 30% more meals today than we did pre-COVID—and this isn’t a short-term trend. For many older adults, the rising cost of food, housing, and basic necessities has collided with fixed incomes and increasing isolation. That means more seniors are depending on Meals on Wheels not only for nutrition, but for the safety check, reassurance, and human connection that comes with every delivery.This is the reality in Santa Cruz County: the need is growing, and our community is stepping up. But local programs can’t carry this alone. Federal leadership is essential to protect and expand senior nutrition—especially as funding decisions approach.Read and share our op-ed to understand what’s at stake and why Congress must act to protect this lifeline for older adults: www.santacruzsentinel.com/2026/01/07/guest-commentary-a-funding-freeze-would-put-seniors-at-risk-...#MealsOnWheels #SantaCruzCounty #SantaCruz #SeniorNutrition #InvestInSeniors #AgingWithDignity #CommunityCare #NeighborsHelpingNeighbors #EndSeniorHunger ... See MoreSee Less
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6 days ago

Community Bridges / Puentes De La Comunidad
We’re incredibly grateful to Caroline's Non Profit Thrift Shop for a generous $25,000 donation that’s helping us expand mental health outreach and strengthen family support across all four Family Resource Collective sites.This support means expanded sliding-scale counseling and psychoeducation groups for youth, parents, and caregivers—creating space for healing, growth, and connection.Because of partners like Caroline’s Thrift, families can access trauma-informed, culturally responsive care before challenges turn into crises. That’s the power of prevention and the heart of a strong community.Caroline’s Thrift is a true cornerstone of Santa Cruz County, fundraising every day to support children and families. We’re grateful to be part of this circle of care. 💚Be sure to visit them in Aptos to shop or donate and support local causes! carolinesnonprofit.org/ ... See MoreSee Less
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50th Anniversary Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County - Community Bridges / Puentes de la Communidad logo

Celebrating 50 Years of Support

Join us at Food From the Heart to honor this legacy and support the future of senior care.

50th Anniversary Meals on Wheels for Santa Cruz County - Community Bridges / Puentes de la Communidad logo

Celebrating 50 Years of Support

Join us at Food From the Heart to honor this legacy and support the future of senior care.

Every Family Needs a Plan

Urge the Attorney General to adopt California’s Childcare Safety Plan.

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