Equipo de Nutrición y Apoyos Esenciales

Nourishment & Essential Supports Team

Welcome to the NEST

Food Pantry on Both Campuses

Spring 2025 Hours

Aptos 902

  • Monday/Wednesday/Thursday 9:00AM-4:00PM

  • Tuesday 9:00AM- 6:00PM

  • Friday 9:00AM-1:00PM

Watsonville A140

  • Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 9:00AM-4:00PM

  • Wednesday: 10:00-6:00PM

  • Friday 9:00AM-1:00PM

Aptos 902 NEST

  • CalFresh and Medi-Cal reps from Santa Cruz County are in the house every Monday 8am-5pm. Walk-ins welcome!

Watsonville A140 NEST

  • Second Harvest Food Bank CalFresh Case Specialist on-site every Wednesday from 2:00-4:00pm and every Thursday from 9:00am-12:00pm.

Our mission is to ensure that every student facing essential needs challenges has equal access to the resources they need to overcome those obstacles. We believe every student already possess the inner strengths they need to succeed, and we back them up with individualized support as unique as they are.

For qualifying students, our services can include:

  • NEST Neighborhood housing rental board, county and community referrals, and grants for eligible students

  • Free Food Pantry and Fresh Markets on both campuses

  • Grants for technology, textbooks, transportation and utilities

  • Individualized strength-based, trauma-informed care

  • Housing workshops

  • Snack and hygiene products

Aptos Clothing Closet
Aptos NEST 902
Aptos NEST 902
Aptos NEST 902 Hot Beverages
Aptos NEST 902
Aptos NEST 02 Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
9am-5pm
APTOS NEST 902 Tuesday
9am-6pm
APTOS NEST Friday
9am-1pm
Watsonville A140 Monday, Tuesday, Thursdays 9am-4pm
Friday 1-2pm
Watsonville A140 Wednesdays
10am-6pm
Watsonville A140 Fridays
9am-1pm
Meet the NEST team
Monica Mendenhall - Aptos Retention & Basic Needs Coordinator
momenden@cabrillo. edu 813.477.3382
Cynthia Garcia - Watsonville Retention & Basic Needs Coordinator
cygarcia@cabrillo.edu
Lily Delariva - Marketing & Social Media Assistant
lidelari@cabrillo.edu
Adriana Gomez - Food Support Specialist
adgomez@cabrillo.edu
Christian Reyes - Media Creator
Learn More ▼
Student Testimonial

Marie Riggs - Human Services Student

Free Second Harvest Fresh Markets for Enrolled Students

Spring 2025 Fresh Markets Schedule

APTOS

10am-1pm

Library Plaza

  • February 10 & 24

  • March 10 & 24

  • April 14 & 28

  • May 12

Watsonville

3:00-4:00PM

B & C Breezeway

  • February 12 & 26

  • March 12 & 26

  • April 9 & 23

  • May 7

NEST Featured in the News
PVSS Transitional Housing Program

Emergency Shelter & Transitional Housing Program for Eligible Female-Identifying Students with Children

  • Low income-based rent

  • Free utilities, including Wi-Fi and parking

  • Supportive PVSS Case Managers with financial empowerment coaches

  • Savings program

  • Contact Monica Mendenhall at momenden@cabrillo.edu or 831-477-3382

Off-Campus Resources

Local Housing Assistance Services and Programs

2-1-1
Santa Cruz County Resources | Recursos del Condado de Santa Cruz

Trained specialists will match your needs to local services ⎯ including recovery resources. It’s free, confidential and available 24 hours a day in more than 150 languages. Text your zip code to 898-211 or visit 211santacruzcounty.org