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Thalma Brooms has devoted over 25 years of experience in Social Services working with youth and families. Born and raised in Chicago, Thalma grew up in a HUD supportive housing complex with her three siblings, mother and father. Having to struggle economically and educationally in a community marginalized, Thalma grew up understanding that she had to work harder than most to achieve success and support community changes. In 1998, Thalma was involved with a  group called SANKOFA, with this group, she went to Africa, West Ghana, to help build roofs over schools. With this passion firmly rooted, Thalma went on to work with children and families through her work with the Chicago Park Districts and the Chicago Children’s Museum. All while, studying and obtaining her Bachelors Degree in Behavioral Social Science at East-West University.

Thalma continued to dedicate her life to non profit organizations that support Mission and Vision for healthier communities throughout Chicago. She’s worked in organizations with first time Pregnant Teens and Victims of Domestic Violence, Family Supportive Social Services, and as Lead School Age teacher. Most recently, Thalma worked for four years for the Connections for the Homeless as a House Manager for a young men’s group home. There in a manager role,  she led a staff with a mission of assisting young men and women with impactful change in job placement, housing, mental health and drug abuse. After reaching her ceiling for growth at Connections, Skokie Public Library approached Thalma to be a part of a revolutionary way to address community awareness and security. As the Safety Manager overseeing the safety and security of the entire Library, staff and patrons,

Thalma executes and leads with her social service experience to address broader and systematic issues that Public Service Organizations are plagued with consistently. Thalma’s approach is to support solutions that patrons are afflicted with in every community and offer solutions that are human centered. Recently, Thalma received her certification in ALICE- Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter and Escape active shooter response. She also has completed her certification in Business/Entrepreneurship at Harper College. In conjunction with her primary duties, Thalma is also currently working with Skokie Public Library with Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) in the community, schools and work environment. 

Thalma’s passion, dedication and strong commitment in life is to continue to work with at-risk youth/teens as a mentor. Her ultimate dream is to open and lead Middle Child Ministries. This  organization will offer youth a safe space, a ministry to practice, fellowship, social services for support in housing, education, all while nurturing spiritual journeys. It will be a safe haven for faith, personal growth, education, creative arts, recreational and sports activities.