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, we’ve seen significant shifts in the needs of our community: a 110% increase in crisis support, a 61% increase in unhoused clients, and a 45% increase in seniors over the age of 75.🌟 Behind every percentage is a person — a neighbor in crisis finding stability, an unhoused client receiving care and dignity, a senior gaining the support they need to age safely.Thanks to your support, we are meeting these growing challenges with compassion, resilience, and hope. Together, we are building a stronger, more caring community.👉 See more in our 2025 Annual Report: communitybridges.org/annual-reports ... See MoreSee Less
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Congratulations to our September Employee of the Month, Fernanda Salazar! 🌟As a degreed Nutritionist, Fernanda goes above and beyond to support families with care, knowledge, and heart. We’re grateful for your dedication and the light you bring to our community. #EmployeeOfTheMonth #CommunityBridges #WIC ... See MoreSee Less
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🚐 This year, elder and disabled neighbors in our community received more than 109,489 door to door rides, including 51,840 medical rides, and 57,649 shelter rides.🌟 Behind every number is a journey. A senior making it safely to a doctor’s appointment, a ride to shelter that offered comfort and stability, or a trip that kept someone connected to their community. Thanks to your support, our seniors aren’t just getting from place to place. They are staying healthy, safe, and connected. Together, we are driving a stronger, kinder community.👉 See more in our 2025 Annual Report: communitybridges.org/annual-reports ... See MoreSee Less
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Win a $50 gift card! Take the County of Santa Cruz Strategic Plan 2032 survey and help shape the future of our community. As part of the County’s planning process, community members are being asked to share their priorities for the years ahead. Your feedback matters!👉 Survey Link: tinyurl.com/2026StrategicPlan ----------------------------------------------------------¡Gana una tarjeta de regalo de $50! Participa en la encuesta del Plan Estratégico 2032 del Condado de Santa Cruz y ayuda a forjar el futuro de nuestra comunidad. Como parte del proceso de planificación del Condado, se les pide a los miembros de la comunidad que compartan sus prioridades para los próximos años. ¡Tu opinión es importante!👉 Enlace de la encuesta: tinyurl.com/PlanEstrategico2026📢 Santa Cruz County wants to hear from YOU! Help shape the next Strategic Plan, which will guide local priorities from 2026–2032. 🗓️💡 Your input will directly influence the County’s goals — and by completing the survey, you’ll be entered to win a $50 gift card!👉 Take the survey today: tinyurl.com/2026StrategicPlanSpanish:📢 ¡El Condado de Santa Cruz quiere escuchar SU voz! Ayude a dar forma al próximo Plan Estratégico, que guiará las prioridades locales de 2026 a 2032. 🗓️💡 Su opinión influirá directamente en las metas del Condado — y al completar la encuesta, participará en un sorteo para ganar una tarjeta de regalo de $50.👉 Complete la encuesta aquí: tinyurl.com/PlanEstrategico2026 ... See MoreSee Less
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