"How We Started"
The center started in 1972 as a one-day-per- week program which was totally funded and staffed by volunteers of Canaan Baptist Church.
Since September 1975, the church continues to sponsor the center with a monthly contribution however much of today’s funding is due to the New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA). DFTA’s funding provides the program to offer personnel services, meals, rent, utilities, transportation, activities and other expenses such as consultants and Title V senior program aides.
The Canaan Senior Service Center has the distinction of being lauded as the first and oldest senior center in Harlem. Today, the great work Canaan has become synonymous with continues under the direction of its Executive Director and current senior pastor of the Canaan Baptist Church of Christ, the Rev. Dr. Thomas D. Johnson Sr.
"What We Do"
The Canaan Senior Service Center staff provides daily comprehensive services Monday through Friday from 9:00 am. to 5:00 pm. These services include case assistance, entitlements and benefits counseling, information, referrals, escort services, shopping assistance, transportation, telephone reassurance calls to the isolated and home bound, friendly visits to the sick and shut-in, and education and recreation for the daily participants.
''Who We Serve"
The Canaan Senior Service Center offers FREE SERVICES to senior citizens, age 60 and over who reside in Central Harlem. Community Boards 9 & 10 and surrounding communities.
The Canaan Senior Service Center is funded by The New York City Department for the Aging (DFTA)
