Maryland health officials have ordered the emergency suspension of a Baltimore nonprofit, Aim to Inspire Care Forever Limited, following an investigation that uncovered serious allegations of neglect and unsafe conditions for vulnerable adults. The Maryland Department of Health issued a detailed 10-page Order of Emergency Suspension at the end of January, mandating the nonprofit to cease operations immediately and relocate its residents.
The emergency suspension was prompted by a report from Spotlight on Maryland, which highlighted systemic issues within the facility, including intimidation and inadequate care. The order noted “serious deficiencies,” such as the lack of required nursing supervision and the acceptance of residents with care needs that exceeded the nonprofit’s legal capacity. Alarmingly, at least one resident reportedly went without prescribed medication for 30 days.
The enforcement action comes more than two months after state and local agencies first inspected the facility. It raises significant concerns regarding the regulation of unlicensed assisted living operations in Maryland. Currently, there are over 115 unlicensed facilities under local scrutiny, which prompts questions about the safety and legality of their operations.
Investigation Uncovers Alarming Conditions
Spotlight on Maryland began its inquiry into Aim to Inspire last fall as part of a broader investigation into what advocates describe as “senior trafficking.” This term refers to the practice of housing seniors and adults with disabilities in unlicensed facilities lacking adequate oversight. Residents reported alarming conditions, including food insecurity, verbal abuse, and a pervasive fear of retaliation for voicing concerns.
One resident, George Gilliam, revealed that he often struggled to secure basic necessities like food. He described his diet as little more than rice and water. Gilliam also recounted instances of verbal aggression from staff, stating that he felt compelled to tolerate the abuse to avoid being evicted. “Compliance felt necessary to avoid homelessness,” he explained.
In November, Daquan Thomas, the leader of Aim to Inspire, defended the organization when confronted by Spotlight on Maryland. He claimed the nonprofit aimed to help people avoid homelessness and asserted that residents were informed about the services provided before moving in. Thomas denied allegations of verbal abuse and said he would address any complaints if brought to his attention.
Despite repeated requests for comment regarding the emergency suspension order, Thomas has not responded.
Regulatory Oversight and Delayed Action
Following the investigative reports, a coordinated inspection by multiple government agencies occurred on November 14, 2025. Despite the seriousness of the situation, staff members at the facility dismissed the inspection as routine. Afterward, several residents were taken to a local hospital, with officials commenting that they were “in bad shape.” Nevertheless, Aim to Inspire continued its operations for weeks afterward.
The Maryland Department of Health’s emergency suspension order detailed multiple violations. It indicated that the nonprofit failed to provide skilled services under the supervision of a registered nurse, a requirement for assisted living facilities in Maryland. Furthermore, it was revealed that the organization had not coordinated necessary care for residents with greater needs.
The order also highlighted a lack of proper employment screenings for staff, including essential health checks and background investigations.
During a recent legislative hearing, Tia Witherspoon, Executive Director of the Office of Health Care Quality, addressed systemic issues within Maryland’s assisted living facilities. She noted that many common deficiencies involved building infrastructure problems requiring significant financial investment, rather than care shortfalls. When questioned about the delay in shutting down Aim to Inspire, Witherspoon referred inquiries to the Maryland Department of Health’s communications team and did not directly address the concerns raised.
Internal sources from the Office of Health Care Quality alleged that Witherspoon expressed a desire for media inquiries to cease, stating, “I want [Spotlight on Maryland’s reporter] to go away and leave us alone.” This has raised further questions about transparency and accountability within the regulatory framework overseeing assisted living facilities.
As the situation develops, the Maryland Department of Health has declined to provide specific details regarding the timeline of the suspension, citing ongoing compliance matters.
Residents and advocates continue to voice concerns about the conditions in unlicensed facilities in Maryland, illustrating the urgent need for regulatory reform to protect vulnerable populations. The actions taken against Aim to Inspire highlight the critical need for oversight in the assisted living sector, where inadequate regulation can lead to severe consequences for those in care.
