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

Today we celebrate grandparents, grandfriends and older adults whose stories, care and wisdom connect generations.Honoring elders means more than expressing gratitude. It means ensuring every older adult can remain nourished, connected, mobile, supported and treated with dignity.Take a moment today to call, visit, listen or share a memory with an older person who has shaped your life.#NationalGrandparentsDay #DoSomethingGrand #HealthyAging #CommunityBridges ...
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🔌 ¡De regreso por segundo año, a petición de nuestra comunidad!¿Necesita ayuda con su factura de energía u otros gastos del hogar? Hable directamente con PG&E, conozca las opciones de ayuda para saldos de energía vencidos a través de Salvation Army Watsonville Family Corps y obtenga información sobre WIC, CalFresh, Medi-Cal, Meals on Wheels, servicios de vivienda y otros recursos comunitarios.📅 Viernes, 18 de septiembre de 2026⏰ 2–6 p.m.📍 Centro Cívico de Watsonville, Salón Comunitario275 Main St., WatsonvilleRecuerde traer su estado de cuenta, una identificación con fotografía y comprobante de ingresos. Se aplican requisitos de elegibilidad; los beneficios no están garantizados.•••🔌 Back by popular demand! Bill Assistance Day returns to Watsonville for its second year.Need help with your energy bill or other household expenses? Meet one-on-one with PG&E, explore assistance for eligible past-due energy bills through The Salvation Army Watsonville Family Corps, and learn about WIC, CalFresh, Medi-Cal, Meals on Wheels, housing services, and other community resources.📅 Friday, September 18, 2026⏰ 2–6 p.m.📍 Watsonville Civic Center, Community Room275 Main St., WatsonvillePlease bring your bill statement, photo ID, and proof of income. Eligibility requirements apply; benefits are not guaranteed.#CommunityBridges #Watsonville #BillAssistanceDay #AyudaConLasFacturas #RecursosComunitarios ...
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September 11 is a day to reflect, remember, and honor the many lives forever changed by the events of that day.We remember those who were lost, the families and loved ones who continue to carry their memory, and the countless people who responded with courage, compassion, and service.Today, we honor their legacy by remembering the strength that can be found in community, kindness, and standing together. We will never forget. ...
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Poverty is not a personal failure. It is shaped by barriers to affordable housing, food, health care, child care, transportation, education and fair opportunity.Community Bridges responds to urgent needs while advocating for the policies and systems that help families and older adults build lasting stability.Economic dignity means more than getting through today. It means having a genuine opportunity to thrive tomorrow.#EconomicDignity #endpoverty #systemschange #CommunityBridges ...
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Turning 26 doesn’t mean losing health coverage. It means choosing your own. You’ve got 60 days, let’s figure it out together. #ForTheLoveOfCalifornians ...
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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.