May 26, 2026
Media Contact: Chanea Davis, chdavis@wearecasa.org
WINDSOR MILL, Md. — The Public Justice Center and WE ARE CASA have secured a settlement agreement for former workers of New Life Healthy Living, a senior living and adult medical daycare facility in Windsor Mill, Maryland, after more than two years of litigation over unpaid wages and overtime compensation.
On April 17, 2024, workers filed a lawsuit against New Life Healthy Living, LLC, and three other defendants, including the owner of the facility, Alif Manejwala. They alleged that they were denied wages and overtime pay despite working long shifts, often exceeding 50 hours per week. The workers, many of whom are immigrants, had also raised concerns about unsafe working conditions at the facility, circumstances serious enough that the Maryland Department of Health closed a portion of the facility in July 2023.
On April 21, 2025, a court-authorized notice of collective action was issued, allowing additional workers who experienced similar labor violations to join the lawsuit by September 8, 2025.
Throughout the litigation, the workers remained steadfast in their pursuit of justice and accountability. Represented by the Public Justice Center and WE ARE CASA, the workers reached a settlement agreement with the defendants that compensates them double their unpaid wages. On May 13, 2026, Judge Chelsea J. Crawford of the United States District Court for the District of Maryland approved the agreement.
“I am so thankful we kept fighting for what we were owed. After everything we went through to get this victory, my fear is gone. My fears are gone now because I know my rights will be respected. I am also so thankful to our coworkers, and everyone who stood up and joined the lawsuit, determined to seek justice” said Maria Brito Chavez, former worker at the New Life facility.
“It has been an honor to work alongside the plaintiffs and their coworkers in their steadfast pursuit of justice: the simple right to receive an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work,” said Amy Gellatly, attorney at the Public Justice Center.
“Former New Life workers bravely came forward to demand the pay they earned and deserved. These workers led the way through organizing their coworkers and tirelessly fighting for their rights,” said Alison Flamiano Domonoske, Attorney at WE ARE CASA.
Under the settlement, the defendants have until August 4, 2026, to pay the workers, finally bringing this matter to a close.
This settlement is a powerful reminder that workers who are denied their wages can fight back and win. No worker should be forced to endure unsafe conditions, long hours, and withheld pay. These workers showed tremendous courage and persistence, and this agreement helps ensure they receive the compensation they earned.
The Public Justice Center is a nonprofit civil rights law firm pursuing systemic change to build a just society. We use legal advocacy tools to pursue social justice, economic and race equity, and fundamental human rights for people who are struggling to provide for their basic needs. Our Workplace Justice Project advances justice and equity for Maryland workers by representing workers in wage theft and other litigation, providing know-your-rights education, advocating for policies to expand workers’ rights, and collaborating with community partners. To learn more, visit www.publicjustice.org.
With over 189,000 lifetime members across 46 US states, WE Are CASA is a national powerhouse organization building power and improving the quality of life in working-class Black, Latino/a/e, Afro-descendent, Indigenous, and Immigrant communities. CASA creates change with its powerbuilding model blending human services, community organizing, and advocacy in order to serve the full spectrum of the needs, dreams, and aspirations of members. www.wearecasa.org
