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

🎉 Congratulations to Arlene Cervantes, our September Employee of the Month! 💚Arlene, a Program Assistant II with Elderday Adult Day Health Care, demonstrates compassion every day through her genuine care for others and commitment to making a positive difference. She approaches her work with patience, kindness, and thoughtfulness, always striving to provide the best possible experience for those she supports. Her dedication and willingness to help others make her an invaluable part of the Community Bridges family.Thank you, Arlene, for all that you do, and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition! 😊👏Learn more about Elderday at ow.ly/RHEJ50ZPJSF. ...
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What does local healthcare mean to you? 💚An emergency room when your family needs one. Mental health and substance-use services close to home. Support that helps older adults and people with disabilities remain in their communities.Community Bridges supports Measure E, a temporary half-cent sales tax measure on the November 3 ballot.👉 Swipe through to learn more about the measure and the local services highlighted in the campaign.🗳️ Vote by November 3. Santa Cruz County’s general election is November 3, 2026.Learn more about Measure E at yesonesantacruzcounty.com.#CommunityBridges #MeasureE #SantaCruzCounty #LocalHealthcare #CommunityCare #OlderAdults ...
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Perder un trabajo es difícil. Perder tu cobertura de salud no tiene por qué serlo. No te preocupes, tienes 60 días después de perder tu cobertura para inscribirte en un nuevo plan. #XelBienDeLosCalifornianos ...
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Preparedness starts close to home.This week, choose three actions:• Prepare or refresh your emergency go-bag.• Confirm your emergency contacts and evacuation plan.• Check in with a neighbor who may need extra time, transportation or support.A phone call, shared ride plan or translated resource can make a meaningful difference. When neighbors look out for one another, preparedness becomes community care.#NationalPreparednessMonth #neighborshelpingneighbors #EmergencyPreparedness #CommunityBridges ...
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🚐 As a program of Community Bridges, Lift Line provides safe, reliable, and accessible transportation that helps older adults and people with disabilities stay connected, independent, and on the move.Alongside programs like Elderday, Lift Line is part of our commitment to supporting independence, connection, and quality of life for members of our community. 💚Learn more about Lift Line and Elderday at communitybridges.org. #CommunityBridges #liftline #ElderDay #AccessibleTransportation #santacruzcounty #CommunityCare #olderadults #CommunityConnection ...
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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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Since 1977, your generosity has helped our community grow stronger.