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.

Exciting news! 🎉 Our 2025 Annual Report is here, and we’re so proud to share the impact we’ve made — together.This past year, we served 20,486 people across all ages:👧 8,715 children🧑‍🎓 5,570 teens🧑‍🦰 3,190 adults👵 3,011 seniorsEach number represents a story changed and a community strengthened. All made possible by the support of people like you.Check your mailbox for a copy of the report, or explore it online here:👉 communitybridges.org/annual-reports Thank you for being part of our journey. Let’s keep building brighter futures — together. 💚 ... See MoreSee Less
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🌟 Welcome to Elderday!We empower older adults and individuals with disabilities to live with greater independence and dignity. Step inside and see how we’re building community through care, companionship, and connection.📍 Now in our new location at 501 Main Street, Watsonville!📞 Call (831) 458-3481 to schedule a tour and learn more. ... See MoreSee Less
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🎭 Play is powerful.Our Early Education Division is developmentally, culturally, and linguistically responsive, ensuring that every child’s background and identity is honored.Through play, we teach language, confidence, cooperation, and creativity—all in ways that reflect each child’s unique culture and community.🌍 Learning through play, every day: communitybridges.org/eed#CommunityBridges #EarlyEducationDivision #Preschool #Education #SantaCruzCountyESPAÑOL🎭 El juego es poderoso.Nuestra División de Educación Temprana es receptiva al desarrollo, la cultura y el idioma, lo que garantiza que se respete la identidad y el origen de cada niño.A través del juego, enseñamos lenguaje, confianza, cooperación y creatividad—todo de maneras que reflejan la cultura y comunidad única de cada niño.🌍 Aprendizaje a través del juego, todos los días: communitybridges.org/eed ... See MoreSee Less
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¡Ayuda a los niños a crecer fuertes! 💪¡Una alimentación saludable es la base para un futuro saludable! El CACFP apoya a proveedores de cuidado infantil en el hogar para que ofrezcan menús balanceados que cumplan con los estándares nutricionales del USDA.Si tienes licencia o estás certificado por Trustline y cuidas niños en casa, puedes calificar para el programa. Además de mejorar la salud de los niños, recibirás reembolsos mensuales que ayudan a cubrir los costos de los alimentos.🌱 Comienza aquí: communitybridges.org/cacfp-interest-form-spanish/ ... See MoreSee Less
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