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:

  •  
  • 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

💚 You are not alone. 💚It’s easy to feel isolated, but remember that you don’t have to go through tough times by yourself. There are people who care about your well-being and want to help. No matter how overwhelming things may seem, support is always within reach.If you need someone to talk to, call 831-724-2997 Ex. 210 to schedule an appointment with one of our compassionate counselors. For more information on our mental health services, visit communitybridges.org/frc. If you need immediate assistance, call 988.#YouAreNotAlone #MentalHealthMatters #CommunitySupport #ReachOut ... See MoreSee Less
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Enseñando a los Niños a Compartir y Cooperar📅 martes, 31 de marzo, 2026 | 6:00–7:30 PM📍 La Manzana Community Resources¿Se perdió nuestra primera sesión de esta clase a principios de este mes? ¡Aún puede participar en esta segunda oportunidad!Aprenda estrategias efectivas para fomentar la cooperación en casa.Este taller GRATUITO de Triple P está presentado en español y le ayudará a:✔️ Enseñar habilidades para compartir✔️ Fomentar interacciones positivas✔️ Manejar desafíos con calmaCuidado de niños gratuito disponible.🔗 Inscríbase: bit.ly/Compartir-31marApoyando a las familias con herramientas que generan armonía en el hogar. 💚#triplep #FamiliasFuertes #SantaCruzCounty ... See MoreSee Less
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💸 Need help with your taxes? We’ve got you covered!Filing season can feel overwhelming, but Community Bridges is here to guide you step by step. Our Family Resource Centers can help you gather documents, understand available credits, and connect you to trusted tax assistance.📍 Find support at a Community Bridges Family Resource Center near you:• La Manzana Community Resources (Watsonville)• Nueva Vista Community Resources (Santa Cruz)• Mountain Community Resources (San Lorenzo Valley)• Live Oak Community Resources (Mid-County)✅ Don’t wait — filing your taxes could mean refunds for you and your family.👉 Learn more: communitybridges.org/FRC#CommunityBridges #TaxHelp #FamilySupport #SantaCruzCounty #MoneyBack--------------------------------Spanish:💸 ¿Necesitas ayuda con tus impuestos? ¡Estamos aquí para ayudarte!La temporada de impuestos puede ser abrumadora, pero Community Bridges está aquí para guiarte paso a paso. Nuestros Centros de Recursos Familiares pueden ayudarte a reunir documentos, entender los créditos disponibles y conectarte con asistencia fiscal confiable.📍 Encuentra apoyo en un Centro de Recursos Familiares de Community Bridges cerca de ti:• La Manzana Community Resources (Watsonville)• Nueva Vista Community Resources (Santa Cruz)• Mountain Community Resources (San Lorenzo Valley)• Live Oak Community Resources (Mid-County)✅ No esperes — presentar tus impuestos podría significar reembolsos para ti y tu familia.👉 Más información: communitybridges.org/FRC ... See MoreSee Less
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Reliable transportation supports independence and daily life. Lift Line helps seniors and adults with disabilities reach essential services safely.Learn more: communitybridges.org/LiftLine#AccessAndDignity #CommunityCare #CommunityBridges #LiftLine-----------------------------------SpanishEl transporte confiable apoya la independencia y la vida diaria. Lift Line ayuda a personas mayores y personas con discapacidades a acceder a servicios esenciales.Conoce más: communitybridges.org/LiftLine#JuntosSomosMásFuertes #ApoyoComunitario #PuntesDeLaComunidad ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations to Fernando Hernandez, our March Employee of the Month!Fernando is a mechanic at our Lift Line program and has become an essential part of maintaining the health and reliability of our agency’s vehicles. Through his skill and dedication, he has helped reduce repair costs by completing work that previously required outside vendors.Thank you, Fernando, for your hard work, commitment, and for being a valued member of the Community Bridges family. ... See MoreSee Less
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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.