The Canoe Brook Center operates as a home base for the senior citizens of Branford. According to the Commission on Elderly Services, about 25 percent of the town's population is over 60 years old and qualifies to use the Canoe Brook Center. They estimate by 2030, 40 percent of the town's population will be over 60 years old.
There is discussion that the senior center will be relocated but for the time being, services are still run from the 11 Cherry Hill Road location.
Among the many activities and programs offered through the center, a capstone service is transportation for the elderly population, which includes trips to and from the center as well as errands (banks, pharmacy and grocery stores).
The Canoe Brook Center Director Dagmar Ridgway has been in her current position for four years and has been assistant director for 28 years. She took the lead from her mentor and former director, Matthew Brady who served as director for over 30 years.
The senior center has been at Canoe Brook since 1975 and before that, it was housed in one room in the Community House with a part-time director.
In addition to senior services, Canoe Brook Center is also home to medical transportation services as well as the energy assistance program, which serves the needs of people of all ages.
The Canoe Brook Center is also used by the town for regular evening meetings.