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.

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🌿 Farm to Fork is Almost Here! 🍷As we prepare for an unforgettable evening this Saturday, June 28, we want to extend our deepest thanks to the incredible sponsors who make Farm to Fork possible. Your generous support helps bring our community together in celebration of local food, wine, and shared purpose.✨ With heartfelt gratitude to our 2025 Farm to Fork sponsors:Driscoll'sAlfaro Family Vineyards & WineryArmitageBontadelli FarmsCamFlor IncTere CarrubbaChic Event RentalsEdward Newman FamilyFalcon Trading CoGinny Solari MazryKarissa Paxton Events LLCLookout Santa CruzCathe RaceTilapia FilmWest Coast Community BankWe truly couldn’t do this without you! 💚Join us for a night of farm-fresh flavors, fine wines, and community spirit.🎟 Tickets are still available at communitybridges.org/events ... See MoreSee Less
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📣 FREE Virtual Parenting Workshop!Stress-Busters for Parents & Caregivers📅 Wednesday, June 25, 2025 | 🕕 6:00 – 7:30 PM | 💻 On ZoomJoin us for a supportive session to explore:✅ Common causes of stress✅ How stress impacts parenting✅ Healthy ways to cope every day👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For families with children of all ages🗣️ Presented in English by Mayra Martinez, Community Bridges – La Manzana🔗 Register here: bit.ly/Stress-June25 📞 Questions? Contact Mayra: (831) 288-2856 | mayram@cbridges.org📲 Scan the QR code to register & take the first step toward calmer parenting! ... See MoreSee Less
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🎉 Celebrating One Year of Impact with Steven Weiss! 🎉Please join us in celebrating Steven Weiss on his one-year anniversary with Community Bridges’ Enhanced Care Management (ECM) program!Steven’s journey with Community Bridges spans over a decade—and three unique roles. From 2010 to 2013, he served as a Neighborhood Engagement Specialist and Youth Advocate, empowering local youth and building trust in our communities. He returned in 2019 as a Clinical Therapist, providing crucial mental health services through 2022.In 2023, Steven stepped into a new chapter as Program Manager for ECM, where he leads a passionate team of Lead Care Managers who support medically vulnerable and socially isolated Medi-Cal recipients. Through intensive case management, Steven and his team help clients regain their health, independence, and sense of belonging.In his own words:"Community Bridges creates an environment where its employees not only have the opportunity to serve the community in so many ways but explore their talents and passions. I am a forever fan of Community Bridges and will always be immensely grateful for all the joy and fulfillment it has yielded!”We’re thrilled he’s stepping into a new role as Social Work Supervisor at Elderday, bringing his heart and expertise to yet another vital program.Thank you, Steven, for your heart, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to our mission. We’re proud to have you on #TeamCB and can’t wait to see all that you accomplish at Elderday!👉 Come work with us! Check out open positions at communitybridges.org/careers. ... See MoreSee Less
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