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 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

This Independence Day, we celebrate the strength of community, democracy, and our shared responsibility to care for one another. 🇺🇸At Community Bridges, we believe thriving communities are built when everyone has access to nutritious food, quality early education, transportation, family support, and opportunities to succeed.As we celebrate our nation's ideals, let's also recommit to building a future where every neighbor feels seen, supported, and connected.From all of us at Community Bridges, we wish you a safe, joyful, and meaningful Independence Da#CommunityBridgesi#PuentesDeLaComunidada#IndependenceDaye#fourthofjulyu#community##democracy##SharedResponsibilityo#santacruzcountyC#montereycountye#TogetherWeThriveerWeThrive ... See MoreSee Less
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The Bridge Builders Circle is more than monthly giving.It’s a community of neighbors who care deeply about the Central Coast and are taking action to strengthen it together.As a Bridge Builder, you’ll receive invitations to relaxed gatherings throughout the year—spaces where supporters connect, hear from program leaders, and see how Community Bridges programs are supporting families across Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties.These gatherings are intentionally welcoming and community-centered, creating opportunities to meet fellow Bridge Builders and celebrate what consistent generosity makes possible.Because when generosity brings people together, it builds something powerful.Learn more and join the Bridge Builders Circle:communitybridges.org/monthly/ ... See MoreSee Less
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We will be closed on Friday, July 3rd, in observance of the Independence Day holiday. We will resume regular operations on Monday, July 6.As you celebrate, please help keep our community safe: ✨ Follow local fireworks laws.🧒 Keep children and pets away from fireworks.💧 Have a bucket of water or hose nearby.❤️ Celebrate responsibly and look out for one another.From all of us at Community Bridges, we wish you and your loved ones a safe, happy, and meaningful Fourth of July!#CommunityBridges #PuentesDeLaComunidad #fourthofjuly #IndependenceDay ... See MoreSee Less
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For 17 years, Lisa Hindman Holbert has helped ensure that young children across Santa Cruz County have access to safe, nurturing, and high-quality early education. 💚📚As Director of Community Bridges’ Early Education Division, Lisa has led with compassion, integrity, and a deep commitment to children, families, educators, and the broader community. Her leadership has strengthened classrooms, supported teachers, expanded opportunities for families, and helped create learning environments where children can grow, explore, and thrive.We are deeply grateful for Lisa’s 17 years of dedicated service to Community Bridges and to the families who depend on affordable, high-quality child care. Her work has made a lasting impact on our programs, our staff, and the children whose futures are brighter because of her care, vision, and commitment.Lisa will be leaving Community Bridges in July to join the Cabrillo College education team, where she will continue supporting education and opportunity in our community. Please join us in thanking Lisa for her dedication, leadership, and 17 years of service. 🌟As we look ahead, Community Bridges remains committed to providing affordable, high-quality early education for local children and families. We are seeking our next Early Education Division leader, and this is a meaningful opportunity for someone who is passionate about affordable child care, early learning, and advancing opportunities for families across Santa Cruz County.✨ Are you a leader who wants to make a difference in the lives of children and families? Apply today at: communitybridges.org/careers#CommunityBridges #EarlyEducation #SantaCruzCounty #ChildCare #EarlyLearning ... See MoreSee Less
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Photos from Community Bridges WIC Program's post ... 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.

This

giving tuesday

Strengthen
Our Roots

Since 1977, your generosity has helped our community grow stronger.