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

Today we honor the mothers, grandmothers, caregivers, and all those who nurture and support families with love, strength, and compassion. Their care helps children grow, families heal, and communities thrive.At Community Bridges, we’re proud to stand alongside caregivers through early education, family resource centers, counseling, nutrition support, and other essential services that help families build healthy, stable futures together.To all the caregivers in our community: thank you for the countless ways you show up every day. 💐 #MothersDay-----------------------------------------------------------Hoy honramos a las madres, abuelas, personas cuidadoras y a todas aquellas personas que nutren y apoyan a las familias con amor, fortaleza y compasión. Su cuidado ayuda a que los niños crezcan, las familias sanen y las comunidades prosperen.En Community Bridges, nos enorgullece acompañar a las personas cuidadoras a través de educación temprana, centros de recursos familiares, consejería, apoyo nutricional y otros servicios esenciales que ayudan a las familias a construir juntas un futuro saludable y estable.A todas las personas cuidadoras de nuestra comunidad: gracias por las innumerables maneras en que están presentes cada día. 💐 #DíaDeLasMadres ... See MoreSee Less
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Celebrating local food, fine wine, and the power of community. 🍷🌱Across Santa Cruz County, more families are facing impossible choices—between housing and healthcare, food and transportation, stability and uncertainty.Community Bridges shows up every day with compassion and real solutions.Through ten essential programs, we provide:• Healthy food access for families and seniors• Early childhood education and family support• Transportation to critical services• Healthcare navigation and counseling• Nutrition programs, senior services, and family resource supportLast year, Community Bridges served thousands of local families and individuals across Santa Cruz County, helping ensure access to food, healthcare, and stability.The Farm to Fork Gala plays a vital role in sustaining this work.When you attend, you help keep these essential services accessible for our neighbors.Stand with your community. Join us June 27.Reserve your seat: communitybridges.org/farmtofork ... See MoreSee Less
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Grateful for continued advocacy efforts supporting older adults and the critical nutrition services they rely on across California. ... See MoreSee Less
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Today we celebrate the strength, culture, and resilience of our Latino community—families who are at the heart of Community Bridges. Cinco de Mayo is a reflection of perseverance, pride, and the rich traditions that continue to shape and strengthen our community.Through our family of ten programs—including Meals on Wheels, early education, and family resource centers—we provide culturally rooted support that uplifts, empowers, and expands access to opportunity.----------------------------------------------------------------Hoy celebramos la fortaleza, la cultura y la resiliencia de nuestra comunidad latina—familias que están en el corazón de Community Bridges. El Cinco de Mayo es un reflejo de la perseverancia, el orgullo y las ricas tradiciones que continúan dando forma y fortaleciendo a nuestra comunidad.A través de nuestra familia de diez programas—incluyendo Meals on Wheels, educación temprana y centros de recursos familiares—brindamos apoyo con raíces culturales que eleva, empodera y amplía el acceso a oportunidades. ... See MoreSee Less
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FREE Food Distribution – May 6 & 20FREE Food Distribution – May 6 & 20📍 Location: 711 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060🕥 Time: 2:30 – 4:30 PMWe’re proud to support the Santa Cruz community by offering free groceries, fresh produce, pantry staples, clothing, and essential items to anyone in need. Whether you’re picking up for yourself, a neighbor, or a family member, you are welcome here.No registration, no ID, no questions asked. Just come as you are 💚🔗 Learn more or get involved: communitybridges.org/nvcrDistribución de Alimentos GRATIS – 6 y 20 de mayo📍 Ubicación: 711 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95060🕥 Horario: 2:30 – 4:30 PMNos enorgullece apoyar a la comunidad de Santa Cruz ofreciendo alimentos gratuitos, productos frescos, despensa básica, ropa y artículos esenciales a cualquier persona que los necesite. Ya sea que recojas para ti, un vecino o un familiar, eres bienvenido aquí.Sin registro, sin identificación, sin preguntas. Solo ven tal como eres 💚🔗 Más información o para involucrarte: communitybridges.org/nvcr ... 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.