Community Bridges has appointed Steven Matzie as program director of Elderday Adult Day Health Care, a community-based program that helps older adults and people with disabilities remain independent while continuing to live at home.
Matzie succeeds longtime director Lois Sones and takes over leadership of the program as Santa Cruz County faces growing demand for aging and disability services. By 2030, one in four county residents is expected to be over age 65, increasing the need for programs that support older adults, caregivers and people with disabilities.
Most recently, Matzie served as a social work care manager with the Health Projects Center’s Multipurpose Senior Services Program, where he helped older adults develop care plans and connect with community resources. During more than a decade working in aging services, he has focused on care coordination, advocacy, community outreach and support for seniors and their families.
“Steven brings the right combination of professional experience, community knowledge, advocacy, and heart to lead this essential program,” said Community Bridges CEO Raymon Cancino. “His background in aging services and care coordination will help Elderday continue meeting the needs of participants, families and caregivers across our region.”
Before joining Community Bridges, Matzie served as long-term care ombudsman program coordinator at Advocacy, Inc., where he worked to protect residents’ rights and support long-term care facilities. He also held positions with Senior Network Services and Lifespan, Inc., and led the 60Plus Senior Program at The Diversity Center of Santa Cruz County, providing social and educational programming for LGBTQ+ older adults.
“I’m energized by the opportunity to lead Elderday at such an important moment for older adults, people with disabilities and the families who care for them,” Matzie said. “Elderday has an extraordinary team, a strong foundation and a mission that matters.”
Elderday provides adult day health care, nursing support, therapeutic activities, nutritious meals, transportation, care coordination and caregiver respite services. The program allows many participants to remain safely in their homes while receiving health and social support.
In the 2024-25 fiscal year, Community Bridges’ older adult and access programs provided more than 207,000 senior meals, nearly 179,000 home-delivered meals, more than 14,000 days of elder care and nearly 110,000 door-to-door rides.
Sones, who guided Elderday through a major facility transition and expanded its services, said she is confident in the program’s future under Matzie’s leadership.
“Steven brings a deep understanding of aging services, advocacy and person-centered care,” Sones said. “I am grateful to see Elderday’s next chapter entrusted to someone who shares that commitment.”
Matzie holds a bachelor’s degree in social work from Humboldt State University and an associate degree in human services management from the University of Phoenix.