Parenting Students' One-Stop Shop

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We understand the unique challenges parenting students face and have designed a one-stop shop for basic, or essential needs assistance, personalized coaching and parent groups, help with taxes, and so much more!

The NEST is located Aptos Campus 902 (next to the cafeteria) and Watsonville Campus Building A (third floor across from the elevator)
In-person Appointments Monday-Thursday 9am-3pm and Virtual Appointments Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Virtual Drop-ins Fridays 11am-1pm

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Monica Mendenhall
Retention & Basic Needs Coordinator
(831) 477-3382
Send a Message
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Elizabeth Cancino-Perez
Housing Resource Specialist
Send a Message
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Jazmin Fonseca Vargas
Aptos Food Resource Specialist
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Karina Collins
Watsonville Food Resource Specialist
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Submit a request for assistance with essential needs and someone from the NEST will reach out to you within 24-48 hours
We are here for you!

Santa Cruz County Resources for Parenting Students

The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program offers nutritious food and nutrition education to low-income women, infants, and children up to 5 years of age.

WIC is available to low to moderate income pregnant women, recently delivered women, breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are at nutrition risk. Fathers can also bring their children to apply for WIC. You may apply for WIC if you are working or unemployed.

Locations in Santa Cruz County:

1105 Water Street
Santa Cruz, CA - 95062
(831) 426-3911

18 East Lake Avenue
Watsonville, CA - 95076
(831) 722-7121
Santa Cruz County

Free Tax Help

Santa Cruz Library, 224 Church Street - English

  • Feb 2-Apr 15

  • Mon 1-6p

  • Tuesday 3-6p

  • Saturday 11a-3p

Nelson Community Center, 301 Center Street - English

  • Feb 7-Apr 13

  • Thurs 9:30-11:30a

  • Sat 11a-1p

SC Community Credit Union, 324 Front Street - English, Spanish

  • Feb 1-Apr 12

  • Thurs 1-7p

  • Friday 12-5p

Live Oak Senior Center, 1777 Capitola Rd - English

  • Feb 4-Apr 15

  • Mon 10a-12p

State of California

Tax Credits You May Qualify For

The California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC) is an annual tax credit for working people making between $1-$30,000. CalEITC provides critical support to Californians, helping them cover bills, pay for groceries, and other daily expenses.

To be eligible for CalEITC, one must:

  • File a California state tax return

  • Be at least 18 years old or have a qualifying child

  • Have 2022 taxable earned income between $1-$30,000

  • File with a valid SSN or ITIN for you, your spouse, and any qualifying children

  • Lived in CA at least half the filing year

  • Meet certain requirements if filing Married and Filing Separately

  • Not be a dependent of another taxpayer unless you have a qualifying child.

The Young Child Tax Credit (YCTC) provides a credit up $1,083 per tax return for Californians

who qualify for CalEITC and have a child under 6 years old.

You may qualify for YCTC with total earned income of zero dollars or less provided all of the

following apply:

  • Your total wages, salaries, tips, and other employee compensation (whether subject to

  • California withholding or not), if any, do not exceed $32,490

  • Your total net loss does not exceed $32,490, and

  • You otherwise meet the CalEITC and YCTC requirements

Santa Cruz County

CalFresh and Medical

MyBenefits CalWIN is the fast, easy way for California residents to get the help they need.

Get medical, food and cash assistance now.

Cabrillo's Student Resources and Support Network (SRSN) Office has a Benefit Rep in their office every Monday

Contact:

Jenna Becker

CalWORKs Program Specialist


(831) 531-7217 text
(831) 477-5222 voice
Cabrillo College

Student Health Services

Personal Wellness Coaching & Parenting Groups

Claudia Peixoto

Student Outreach & Wellness Coordinator

Email: clpeixot@cabrillo.edu

Aptos campus office located in 902
Watsonville campus office located in Student Resource Center (SRC) first floor Building A
County of Santa Cruz Human Services Department is here to help!

The Employment and Benefits Services Division supports individuals and families throughout our community.

Applying for cash assistance, food assistance, and health care coverage is easy!

ONLINE / EN LINEA:

www.mybenefitscalwin.org

www.getcalfresh.org

www.coveredca.com

PHONE /POR TELEFONO: 1-888-421-8080

FAX: 831-786-7100

MAIL / POR CORREO: Santa Cruz HSD, P.O. BOX 1320, Santa Cruz, CA 95061

IN PERSON / EN PERSONA

1020 Emeline Ave., Santa Cruz

18 West Beach St., Watsonville