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:

  •  
  • 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 local 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.

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

Questions about Covered California? Our Family Resource Collective can help you prepare for Open Enrollment, beginning November 1. Learn how to reach us: communitybridges.org/frc.ESPAÑOL¿Tiene preguntas sobre Covered California en Español? Nuestro Colectivo de Recursos Familiares puede ayudarle a prepararse para la inscripción abierta, que comienza el 1 de noviembre. Vea cómo comunicarse con nuestro equipo: communitybridges.org/frc.#coveredcalifornia #OpenEnrollment #InscripciónAbierta #CommunityBridges #fortheloveofcalifornians ...
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🌧️ El Niño: Are You Prepared for This Winter?With a strong El Niño expected this winter, it's important for our communities to stay informed and prepared for potential severe weather.The County of Monterey, in partnership with the National Weather Service and local agencies, recently shared a presentation discussing what to expect this winter and how the county is preparing.🎥 Watch the presentation and share it with your family, friends, and neighbors: vimeo.com/1236371089 💚 Staying informed is an important step toward keeping our communities safe. ...
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Who comes to mind when you think about the future of our community? 💚Your children. Your parents. Your neighbors. Your future self.Everyone has a different reason for showing up and participating. We want to hear yours.👇 Finish the sentence:I vote for ______.Share your answer in the comments.#CommunityBridges #santacruzcounty #CommunityVoices #Vote2026 ...
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Photos from County of Monterey, California's post ...
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Family Resource Centers offer parent education, workshops, and youth tutoring that support learning and family stability.Programs are designed to meet families where they are and strengthen long-term wellbeing.Learn more: Communitybridges.org/FRC#familyeducation #communitysupport #CommunityBridges #FRCSpanishLos Centros de Recursos Familiares ofrecen talleres, educación para padres y tutorías para jóvenes.Estos programas apoyan el aprendizaje y la estabilidad familiar a largo plazo.Conoce más: Communitybridges.org/FRC#EducaciónFamiliar #ApoyoComunitario #CommunityBridges #FRC ...
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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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Since 1977, your generosity has helped our community grow stronger.