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:

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.

☕️✨ Honeylux coffee is setting up at 501 A Main St, Watsonville, today through Sunday from 9 AM to 2 PM!Swing by for a delicious coffee or matcha, paired with a fresh pastry from companion bakeshop. It’s the perfect pick-me-up to start your day or enjoy during a break.✨They’ll also be back next week, Thursday through Sunday, 9 AM to 2 PM.✨Stop by, support local, and treat yourself in the heart of Watsonville! 🌿🥐 ... See MoreSee Less
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If you recently had a life changing event, you couldchoose a health plan from quality health insurancecompanies for $10 or less a month. There's even morefinancial help available for 2024!Learn More:www.coveredca.com/support/before-you-buy/what-is-financial-help/ ... See MoreSee Less
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The first food distribution of the year is happening tomorrow!📍 Location: 711 East Cliff Drive at Nueva Vista Community Resources⏰ Time: 2:30 pm - 5 pm................................................................................................................................................¡La primera distribución de comida del año será mañana!📍 Ubicación: 711 East Cliff Drive en Nueva Vista Community Resources⏰ Hora: 2:30 pm - 5 pm¡Ven y acompáñanos en la Distribución de Comida los primeros y terceros miércoles de cada mes! 🌟📍 Ubicación: 711 East Cliff Drive⏰ Hora: 2:30 pm - 5 pm🗓️ Fechas Próximas: - Enero: 8 y 22 - Febrero: 5 y 19 - Marzo: 5 y 19Estamos aquí para ayudar y compartir con nuestra maravillosa comunidad. Si tú o alguien que conoces necesita un poco de apoyo extra, ¡por favor ven a visitarnos! Todos son bienvenidos, y estamos emocionados de ofrecer comida y amabilidad a quienes lo necesiten. Unámonos y apoyémonos mutuamente.ENGLISH----------------------------------------------------------------Come join us for Food Distribution on the first and third Wednesdays of each month! 🌟📍 Location: 711 East Cliff Drive⏰ Time: 2:30 pm - 5 pm🗓️ Upcoming Dates: - January: 8 & 22 - February: 5 & 19 - March: 5 & 19We’re here to help and share with our wonderful community. If you or someone you know could use a little extra support, please stop by! Everyone is welcome, and we’re excited to offer food and kindness to those who need it. Let’s come together and support one another. ... See MoreSee Less
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Si recientemente le ha cambiado la vida, puede elegir un plan de salud de compañías de seguros médicos de calidad por $10 o menos al mes. ¡Hay aún más ayuda financiera disponible para 2024!Más información:www.coveredca.com/support/before-you-buy/what-is-financial-help/ ... See MoreSee Less
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On behalf of everyone at Community Bridges and the families we serve, thank you for supporting The Big Idea 2025: Wrap Them in Care: WIC Program Diaper Initiative through Santa Cruz Gives! Your generosity is helping us tackle diaper scarcity and ensure no parent has to choose between diapers and food. As Community Bridges WIC Program celebrates its 50th anniversary, your support continues a legacy of care, allowing us to serve thousands of pregnant and breastfeeding women, infants, and children under five each month. In the last 15 months, our WIC Diaper Program has provided 1,476 packages of diapers (59,040 diapers in total) to families in need through partnerships and parent outreach. Each pack makes a tangible difference, easing financial burdens and protecting the health of our community’s youngest members.Thanks to your support through Santa Cruz Gives, we’ll be able to continue this invaluable service local parents and children.While we didn’t reach our $15,000 goal, we are incredibly grateful for your support. Every donation brings us closer to providing essential resources to those who need them most. Thank you for making a real difference in the lives of families in our community! 💖 ... See MoreSee Less
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