Who are Promotoras?

The Promotoras program was created in partnership with Santa Cruz Community Health, the Santa Cruz County Health Services Agency, the Human Services Department, and Encompass to promote community health and equity. Promotoras are C2C parent leaders who have been trained as Community Health Workers (CHWs) to share reliable health information, connect families to resources, and strengthen community well-being.

Since the program’s launch, we have held three training cohorts, preparing a total of 30 Promotoras, with 22 currently active, including one Promotora from South County. Three of our Promotoras have gone on to complete the Community Health Worker certificate program at Cabrillo College, further expanding their leadership and impact.

All Promotoras begin with an 8-module, Spanish-language training series, which varies by cohort but has included public health topics such as COVID-19, mental health, nutrition, chronic disease prevention, health equity, and family well-being. Graduates of the program continue to grow through monthly workshops, which provide ongoing education and tools to help them deliver safe, accurate, and culturally grounded health information. These dedicated leaders are more than health messengers—they are trusted neighbors, advocates, and bridges who help ensure that families across Santa Cruz County have access to the care and resources they need.

What do Promotoras do?

Promotoras are recognized as trusted sources of health information within their communities. They provide peer-to-peer support by promoting good health practices, sharing accurate information, and creating a safe space for families to ask questions and voice their concerns.

Their work includes:

• Connecting with families at C2C events and throughout the community

• Partnering with local organizations to educate others about vaccines and other public health topics

• Sharing information about local resources, such as health clinics, mental health services, and family support programs

• Acting as allies and advocates in a time when misinformation can create uncertainty and mistrust in the medical system

• Distributing up-to-date information and resources in their neighborhoods, thanks to strong partnerships with other local nonprofits

• Supporting food distributions, which have become a major ongoing project, as well as participating in county-led initiatives that directly support families

• Taking part in collectives within C2C and Santa Cruz Community Health (SCCH), where they help facilitate dialogue, elevate community voices, and shape spaces that center parent and community leadership

By walking alongside families, Promotoras help bridge the gap between communities and health systems, ensuring that information is not only accurate but also culturally relevant and grounded in trust.

Connecting with the community