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Milford senior center seeks $120,000 in added city support to sustain meal, homebound and staffing programs
Summary
The Milford Senior Center asked the Board for $120,000 more in FY27 funding (a $90,000 boost to the city grant and $30,000 for senior nutrition), citing a 91% increase in attendance since 2020, rising food and wage costs, and waiting lists for home-delivered meals and adult-day programs.
The Milford Senior Center recommended a $120,000 increase in city support at the April 22 budget hearing, warning that without added funds the center may have to reduce services, raise membership or meal fees, or draw down reserves.
Lenora Rodriguez, the center27s executive director, told aldermen the center now serves nearly 2,200 members (about 2,000 Milford residents and roughly 200 non-residents), reported a 91% increase in attendance since 2020 and said the senior-nutrition program serves about 70 homebound adults. She said inflation and higher wages have driven up operating costs and that the center has used reserves to cover recent insurance and pension bills.
Rodriguez said the center currently maintains a restricted operating reserve in an investment account (Edward Jones) and has used the reserve to cover roughly $100,000 in near-term operating needs; she stressed that the reserve is intended to provide a 3–6 month safety net, not to fund ongoing shortfalls.
Why it matters: The center provides congregate meals, home-delivered meals, adult-day respite for people with dementia and a wide range of social and health services that local officials said reduce isolation and emergency demand on health care.
Several aldermen expressed support for the center27s request. Members asked about sliding-scale membership options, fundraising plans and grant opportunities (including titles III and CDBG and state grants). Rodriguez said she is pursuing multiple grant avenues and developing a fundraising strategy that includes annual events and individual giving; she also noted new online donation options have generated modest funds.
What27s next: The center asked the board to restore the requested increases in the city grant and the nutrition line during the budget adoption process. Rodriguez said she would provide audited financial details and additional documentation about reserves and fundraising plans on request.
Sources: Testimony and submitted materials from Lenora Rodriguez, Executive Director, Milford Senior Center, Board of Aldermen budget hearing, April 22, 2026.
