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

Happening TOMORROW!💚 Mountain Community ResourcesA healthy pet is a happy pet! 💚If you're a Santa Cruz County pet owner who qualifies for public assistance, Healthy Pets for All is here to help. FREE vaccine clinics provided for dogs and cats with core vaccinations, microchips, and parasite prevention (when available) to help keep them healthy and protected.🗓️ Friday, July 10 and Nov 20, 2026⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.📍 Mountain Community Resources 6134 Hwy. 9 Felton, CAA few things to know before you come:• No appointments—first come, first served• Dogs must be on a leash or in a carrier• Cats must be in a carrier• Arrive early! Lines close 30 minutes before the clinic ends, and wait times may be 1–2 hours.Learn more here: scanimalshelter.org/healthy-pets-for-all/💚 Together, we can help keep pets healthy, happy, and with the families who love them. ... See MoreSee Less
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6 days ago

Community Bridges / Puentes De La Comunidad
🍻 Raise a Pint. Build a Bridge. 💚Join us this Friday, July 10, from 5:30–9:00 PM at @otherbrotheraptos for Aptos Pint Night!For every pint sold, $1 will be donated to Community Bridges, helping provide essential services for children, families, and seniors across Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.Whether you're stopping by with friends or meeting someone new, every pint helps strengthen our community.📍Other Brother Beer Co.10 Parade Ave., Unit BAptos, CAA special thank you to Other Brother Beer for generously supporting our mission and the neighbors we serve.We hope to see you this Friday!💚 ... See MoreSee Less
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Thank you to Central Fire District Fire Chief Nigel Miller ... See MoreSee Less
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1 week ago

Community Bridges / Puentes De La Comunidad
What an incredible evening! 💚A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors, donors, auction donors, guests, volunteers, vendors, and everyone who helped make the 2026 Farm to Fork Gala such a success.Together, we exceeded our $75,000 fundraising goal, helping Community Bridges continue providing essential services that strengthen families and improve lives across Santa Cruz County and the Monterey Bay Area.Congratulations to our 2026 Bridge Builder Award honorees, Karen Delaney and the David & Lucile Packard Foundation, whose extraordinary leadership and generosity continue to build a stronger, more connected community.The celebration doesn't stop here! Join us next year as we mark Community Bridges' 50th Anniversary—five decades of creating opportunities, strengthening families, and building brighter futures. We can't wait to celebrate with you! ... See MoreSee Less
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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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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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giving tuesday

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Our Roots

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