New Birmingham Home Supports Local Teenage Girls
The A.W. Brooks Serenity Home aims to provide housing and resources for up to 12 girls aged 14-18.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Teens
Live Poll
Do you believe private nonprofit initiatives are the best way to address youth housing instability?
Tomeka Mills founded the A.W. Brooks Serenity Home in 2025 to provide a sanctuary for teenage girls aged 14-18 in Birmingham. The facility is being established to support youth facing abuse, neglect, or housing instability.
Why it matters
This project addresses a critical need for stable housing for older youth in the foster and welfare systems. It offers a structured environment for girls who often face fewer placement options as they age.
The A.W. Brooks Serenity Home project aims to house 10-12 teenage girls once operations begin. This program specifically targets girls aged 14-18, a demographic that accounted for a significant portion of older child adoptions at 27% in 2022.
The players
Tomeka Mills
The founder of the A.W. Brooks Serenity Home who is currently a realtor and supply chain professional.
Alabama Department of Human Resources
The state agency responsible for child welfare and social services that is partnering with the home.
The details
The facility is designed to provide a comprehensive support system, including a dedicated house mom and a staff of social workers. The organization is currently securing grants for construction and operation while partnering with the Alabama Department of Human Resources to coordinate placement and care.
Timeline
2000: A.W. Brooks passed away.
2022: 27% of adopted children were over the age of nine.
2025: Tomeka Mills founded the A.W. Brooks Serenity Home.
2027: Mills expects to receive her bachelor's degree.
The Home Front
This project aligns with regional efforts to address housing stability for older youth within the state welfare system. It marks a targeted expansion of placement resources following the trend seen in the 2022 adoption age statistics.
Residents interested in community-based foster support can monitor the organization for potential volunteer opportunities or donation drives. Families should verify the status of the nonprofit through official resources as development progresses.
The takeaway
The A.W. Brooks Serenity Home focuses on providing long-term stability for girls aged 14-18 within the local community. Supporters can keep track of official fundraising milestones and land acquisition progress through their website.
Further reading
For more on local programs, visit Teens.
More information
Learn more about the mission and progress by visiting the A.W. Brooks Serenity Home website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Birmingham Times.
Live Poll
Do you believe private nonprofit initiatives are the best way to address youth housing instability?
