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 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.

Volunteer Matching

🍽️ This year, seniors in our community enjoyed 207,021 nourishing meals, including 178,815 delivered right to their doors and 28,206 shared at dining sites filled with laughter, conversation, and friendship. 🌟Behind every number is a story. A senior greeted with a warm meal, a smile shared over lunch, a day of care that made life a little easier. Thanks to your support, our seniors are cared for, connected, and thriving every single day. Together, we are building a stronger, kinder community.👉 See more in our 2025 Annual Report: communitybridges.org/annual-reports ... See MoreSee Less
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🌟 We’re thrilled to welcome Brenda Castaneda and Laura Nova to the Community Bridges family! Their talents and enthusiasm will bring fresh energy, positivity, and new ideas to our programs. Let’s give them a big, warm welcome!👉 Want to join our amazing team too? See current job opportunities at communitybridges.org/careers ... See MoreSee Less
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The NFL season is officially underway, and we’re here for it! 🏈Our Community Bridges crew shared their Super Bowl 2026 predictions—now it’s your turn! Drop your guess in the comments and let’s see who calls it right. 🎉 ... See MoreSee Less
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Family Services provide care, stability, and hope when families need it most. None of it would have been possible without your support.Here’s what we accomplished together: 🛒 88,111 bags of food distributed to fight hunger and nourish families 🤝 13,433 crisis support visits offering guidance in moments of need 🧠 863 mental health counseling visits to strengthen well-being and resilienceBehind each number is a story of comfort, healing, and support. Together, we’re building stronger, healthier families.See more in our 2025 Annual Report: 👉 communitybridges.org/annual-reportsThank you for standing with families in our community. ... See MoreSee Less
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