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

We're proud to share that Community Bridges CEO Ray Cancino will be speaking at the Nonprofit Advocacy: Roles, Rules & Responsibilities workshop, hosted by the Community Foundation Santa Cruz County and Nonprofit Connection Santa Cruz County. Advocacy is an essential part of building stronger, healthier communities. Join nonprofit leaders from across our region to explore how organizations can effectively advocate for the people they serve while understanding the legal and ethical guidelines that shape this important work.📅 Thursday, August 27, 2026🕘 9:00–11:30 a.m.Register and learn more: cfscc.org/events/nonprofit-advocacy-roles-rules-and-responsibilities#CommunityBridges #NonprofitLeadership #Advocacy #CommunityImpact #SantaCruzCounty #Nonprofits ... See MoreSee Less
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🌟 Congratulations to Esteban Gudino, our July Employee of the Month! 🎉We are proud to recognize Esteban Gudino, our dedicated Facilities Technician!Esteban consistently goes above and beyond in his role, demonstrating an outstanding work ethic, integrity, and commitment to excellence. He approaches every task with professionalism and takes pride in keeping our facilities running smoothly. Beyond his hard work, Esteban treats everyone with respect, kindness, and compassion, making a positive impact on both his coworkers and the people we serve.His dedication, reliability, and positive attitude make him an invaluable member of the Community Bridges team.Thank you, Esteban, for everything you do and for being such an important part of the Community Bridges family. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! #employeeofthemonth #CommunityBridges ... See MoreSee Less
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🌟 Build a rewarding career while making a difference in your community!Community Bridges supports people of all ages and backgrounds throughout Santa Cruz County and North Monterey County, including children, families, pregnant women, older adults, and adults with disabilities.We’re currently hiring for several positions, including:• EED Director• Consulting Pharmacist• HR Administrative Assistant• Director of Communications & External Affairs• Accounting Assistant• Teacher Floater• And more on our website!Benefits for eligible employees include:• 16 vacation days and 11 holidays• medical, dental, and vision coverage• 401(k) retirement plan• A hiring bonus for eligible regular positions, paid after completing a six month probationary period• Life insurance & Employee Assistance program• Flexible spending account (FSA)Join the Community Bridges team and help create a stronger, healthier community.Explore current openings and apply today at communitybridges.org/careers.#CommunityBridges #Hiring #JoinOurTeam #NonprofitCareers #SantaCruzCounty ... See MoreSee Less
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Puede calificar para Enhanced Care Management si:•Tiene Medi-Cal •Está experimentando falta de vivienda o inestabilidad de vivienda •Visita la sala de emergencias con frecuencia •Tiene necesidades médicas o de salud mental que son dificiles de manejar sin ayuda •Está embarazada o recientemente dio a luz •Está en transición desde la cárcel o un centro de cuidado o enfermería ECM es un beneficio cubierto por Medi-Cal y no tiene costo para miembros elegibles. El apoyo está disponible — y comienza con una conversación. Obtenga más información en communitybridges.org/enhanced-care-management ... See MoreSee Less
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Do You Qualify? You may qualify for Enhanced Care Management if you: •Have Medi-Cal •Experience homelessness or housing instability •Visit the ER frequently •Have medical or mental health needs that are hard to manage alone •Are pregnant or recently postpartum •Are transitioning from incarceration or a nursing home ECM is a covered Medi-Cal benefit and costs nothing for eligible members. Support is available — and it starts with a conversation. Learn more at communitybridges.org/enhanced-care-management ... 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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