in 1897, brooks helped open the new bedford home for the aged, which at first had several temporary locations. in addition, brooks paid the rent for the home by herself for the first six months. afterwards, the women's loyal union "assumed the responsibility for maintaining the new bedford home for the aged." brooks eventually designed the colonial style permanent home for its final location at 396 middle street. the women's loyal union, which brooks was involved with, continued to helped support the home at the new location. brooks became the first president of the home and of the women's loyal union, and remained in these roles until 1930. the building itself is still standing in new bedford and is two and half stories tall, topped with a hip roof, six dormers and a front facade with a flat-roofed portico.