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

Community Bridges joined community leaders, healthcare advocates, and local orgs at Watsonville Community Hospital for an event highlighting Measure E and the future of our local safety net.We were grateful to be part of the conversation, share our perspective on the importance of protecting essential community services, and connect with others who care about the health and well-being of our neighbors.Thank you to everyone who came together to discuss the challenges facing local healthcare and support services and what they mean for our community! 💚To learn more about Measure E and what's at stake for our community, read the recent Santa Cruz Sentinel guest commentary by our CEO, Raymon Cancino.🔗 www.santacruzsentinel.com/2026/10/09/guest-commentary-yes-on-measure-e-for-the-future-of-our-loca... ...
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Indigenous histories are living histories.On Indigenous Peoples’ Day, we recognize the histories, cultures, and leadership of Indigenous peoples throughout the Central Coast. The Amah Mutsun Tribal Band is one of the Native communities with deep ties to the greater Monterey Bay region and continues to share its history and care for ancestral lands.Respect calls us to listen to Native voices and learn the fuller history of the places we call home. Learn directly from the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band at amahmutsun.org/history.#IndigenousPeoplesDay ...
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Stress, grief, family changes, and uncertainty can affect any of us. Support should feel close, welcoming, and within reach.On World Mental Health Day, we’re reminding our neighbors that they do not have to navigate difficult moments alone. Through Community Bridges’ Family Resource Collective, youth, adults, and families can connect with free counseling and other resources.A first step can be as simple as talking with our team. Learn more at communitybridges.org/frc/.#WorldMentalHealthDay #CommunityBridges ...
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Covered California Open Enrollment begins in less than a month. Start preparing now, and contact our Family Resource Collective if you need help understanding your options: communitybridges.org/frc.ESPAÑOLLa inscripción abierta de Covered California en Español comienza en menos de un mes. Prepárese desde ahora y comuníquese con nuestro Colectivo de Recursos Familiares si necesita ayuda para entender sus opciones: communitybridges.org/frc.#coveredcalifornia #OpenEnrollment #InscripciónAbierta #CommunityBridges ...
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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.