Birmingham woman has plans to start a shelter for neglected high-school girls

When Tomeka Mills was growing up in Ensley, she looked up to her father, Rev. A.W. Brooks, who hoped to start a home for people in need in the ‘90s. 

He soon fell ill and passed away before he could bring that vision to life — but Mills has a goal to follow through on his dreams.

In July, Mills founded a nonprofit, the A.W. Brooks Serenity Home, with a plan to benefit high-school-aged girls who have experienced trauma, neglect or displacement. 

“When our girls succeed, Birmingham succeeds.”

Tomeka Mills

Many foster families and group homes prefer to take in smaller children, Mills said, leaving older girls who need help with few options.

In 2022, just 27% of all children who were adopted were over 9 years old, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The average age of adoption is 6 years old.

A.W. Brooks Serenity Home will operate under a care model called “SHE,” standing for:

• Strong: Promoting structure, confidence and resilience
• Healing: Centering trauma recovery, mental wellness and therapeutic care
• Empowered: Building life skills, cultural identity and leadership potential

SHE is a trauma-informed framework designed to help girls ages 14-18 “heal, grow, and reclaim their futures with dignity and hope.”

Mills said this is the first “purpose-built, trauma-informed group home for girls of color ages 14-18.”

“Our home will not only meet basic needs but will provide culturally responsive care, mental health support, life skills training, and a strong foundation for success.”

There isn’t a definite timeline for when the home will be complete or officially open, but Mills is hard at work preparing to help future residents. 

For those who are interested in supporting the mission, reach Mills directly at tomekamills42@gmail.com.

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