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.

¡Únete al Programa de Fútbol Aztecas! ⚽️¿Estás listo para elevar tu juego y ser parte de algo más grande? ¡Ven a competir en un equipo de interior / exterior, mejorar sus habilidades de fútbol, y abrazar un estilo de vida saludable, mientras que la construcción de carácter en un ambiente de apoyo! 💪Puntos destacados del programa:⚽️ Compite en equipos bajo techo y al aire libre💪 Desarrolla habilidades futbolísticas y mantente activo🤝 Fortalece el carácter y el trabajo en equipoBeneficios adicionales:🍽️ Comidas gratuitas y formación en habilidades para la vida🚌 Excursiones de enriquecimiento y actividades extraescolares🎓 Orientación para la solicitud de empleo/universidad y apoyo académico🧑‍🏫 Acceso a asesoramiento, tutoría y mentoría🚫 Fuerte compromiso con las iniciativas de prevención de pandillasPráctica: Todos los lunes de 17.00 a 18.00 horasPara edades: 12-18Ubicación: Soccer Central Indoor Sports, 34 Harkins Slough Road, Watsonville¡No te lo pierdas-Regístrate hoy!Para obtener más información y para inscribirse, póngase en contacto con Onniel Sánchez en 831-724-2997 x203 o correo electrónico onniels@Cbridges.org.Construyendo el carácter, un gol a la vez 🌟 ... See MoreSee Less
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🌸 Happy Mother’s Day Weekend! 🌸To all the amazing moms, grandmas, and mother figures—we see you, we celebrate you, and we’re so thankful for everything you do. At Community Bridges, we’re honored to support strong, resilient women who hold families and communities together every day. You are loved. You are seen. You are appreciated. This weekend and always. 💐 ... See MoreSee Less
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Santa Cruz County partners are working to make streets safer for everyone.They’re currently creating the Safe Streets and Roads for All Action Plan to help reduce crashes, prevent injuries and save lives—while making roads safer for drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians.Your input matters! Share your thoughts on traffic safety by taking their online survey: bit.ly/SCC-safetyOur partners in Santa Cruz County are working to make streets safer for everyone. They are currently developing the Safe Streets and Roads for All Action Plan to reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities while improving safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians on County roadways. This plan will also help the County secure state and federal grants for road safety improvements. Community input is key! Take their online survey and share your thoughts on road safety in Santa Cruz County. LINK: bit.ly/SCC-safety 𝗘𝗦𝗣𝗔Ñ𝗢𝗟 Nuestros socios del Condado de Santa Cruz están trabajando para hacer que las calles sean más seguras para todos. Actualmente están desarrollando el Plan de Acción Calles y Carreteras Seguras para Todos, con el objetivo de reducir accidentes, lesiones y fatalidades, mientras mejoran la seguridad para conductores, ciclistas y peatones en las carreteras del condado. Este plan también ayudará al Condado a obtener subvenciones estatales y federales para mejoras en la seguridad vial. ¡La opinión de la comunidad es clave! Participa en su encuesta en línea y comparte tus ideas sobre la seguridad vial en el Condado de Santa Cruz. ENLACE: bit.ly/SCC-safety ... See MoreSee Less
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May is Older Americans Month — a time to recognize the contributions, strength, and resilience of our aging community. At Community Bridges, we’re proud to support older adults across the Central Coast through three essential programs:🥗 Meals on Wheels delivers daily nutrition and connection to homebound seniors.💙 Elderday provides compassionate adult day health care for those with complex medical needs.🚐 Lift Line offers over 60,000 door-to-door rides a year, helping seniors and people with disabilities stay active and independent.Together, we’re helping older adults live healthier, more connected, and more dignified lives.🌟 Be a part of something more:communitybridges.org/donate | communitybridges.org/volunteer ... See MoreSee Less
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Happy Cinco de Mayo! Today, we celebrate the rich history, culture, and contributions of the Mexican community, while honoring the diverse backgrounds that make our entire community stronger. This day is a reminder of the power of unity, resilience, and the importance of coming together to support and uplift one another. Let’s continue building a future where everyone, regardless of their background, feels valued and empowered. 🇲🇽❤️ ... See MoreSee Less
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