About Us

Malibu, California! It was our founders first women’s retreat ever, and her first time meditating. As she sat on the floor, eyes closed, the facilitator said, “Now, walk into the purpose of your life.” In that moment, an image appeared before her mind’s eye: She saw herself sitting on the ground, feeding two smiling children. It was vivid, emotional, and confusing all at once. She had never imagined myself in this kind of work. She always thought her life’s mission would center on empowering women through financial independence. But this vision felt different. It felt divine. When she shared it with the 65 women present at the retreat, the room filled with tears, prayers, and encouragement. Many came up to her afterward, saying, “You have to do this! This is your calling.” She didn’t know it then, but those few minutes in Malibu were the spark that would feed thousands of people.

The vision refused to leave her heart. She didn't knew how or where to begin, but maybe she could start by hiring women who love to cook and have them feed families in need.” Immediately, she thought of an ideal candidate, someone in Pakistan who recently lost her baby girl, and was struggling deeply to find life's meaning again. She felt in her heart that this could be the light she needed. We started creating a website, a page to share the idea and collect some donations. Within 24 hours, a decent amount had been raised by her friends, retreat sisters, and complete strangers. That night, she cried with gratitude. The Universe had spoken: this vision was meant to live.

She called her to share the idea, her voice broke as she said, “I’ve been praying for work I could do from home, something that brings life back to my days. I love to cook, and if I can feed families who go to bed hungry, that would fill my heart with peace.” That day, she became Let’s Come Forward’s first cook. We bought ingredients, planned menus, and started delivering home-cooked meals to needy families. The joy on their faces mirrored the vision seen in Malibu.

Encouraged by the impact, we hired another woman, who began cooking for a nearby charity school with 150 children. Every day, she prepared simple but nourishing healthy meals of meat, rice, lentils, and vegetables for these children, many of whom had never received such meals consistently. She has continued this service every single day since then. This was when we realized: this isn’t charity, this is dignity. We weren’t just giving food; we were restoring hope, purpose, and self-worth.

Our donations had increased steadily through word of mouth. We hired our third woman, who cooked for construction workers and families living in makeshift temporary homes. These women were no longer just recipients of aid; they had become leaders, changemakers, and mothers who could now provide not only the basics but also dreams and dignity to their own children. We could see the ripple effect: families were being nourished, women were earning a living, and hearts were healing. With this momentum, we realized this project could grow far beyond a small circle of donors. We decided to register it as a nonprofit organization officially. The name came instantly to mind, Let’s Come Forward. It felt perfect: a name that called each of us to rise, serve, and step into our divine purpose. We found a female attorney who believed in the vision and guided us through the process of applying for 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.

One morning, we got a message: A young man in Pakistan had been in an accident and needed surgery immediately, or he would lose his leg. The family needed about $2,000. At first, we felt helpless. But then we remembered our community. We reached out to our Let’s Come Forward donors and shared his story. Within 18 hours, we raised the required amount. The surgery was performed successfully and his future was saved. That day, we realized the true power of what we had created together. This was more than a food program. It was a movement of faith, compassion, and immediate impact.

We received our official IRS 501(c)(3) approval letter. We could hardly believe that within less than a year, a vision from meditation had turned into a registered nonprofit. When we shared the news with the women from the retreat, the outpouring of love was overwhelming. Among the messages, one stood out: “I have 23 years of experience in nonprofits, including 15 years as director. I’d love to help on the board or in the creation of the structure.” — Ashleigh Renard ... It was divine timing once again. Ashleigh joined Let’s Come Forward as Director of Development, bringing years of expertise and structure to our heartfelt mission. Together, we began to dream bigger: a movement that nourishes both the body and the soul.

We continued to grow organically. From one cook to three, Let’s Come Forward began feeding hundreds of people every single day. We extended our meals program to: Schools (for children in need) Hospitals (for families caring for patients) Construction sites (for laborers earning very low daily wages)

Now, Let’s Come Forward continues to expand its reach globally and within the United States, creating a vibrant online community where members offer free coaching and mentorship in their areas of specialty. In 2026, we’ll host hosting free self-awareness and empowerment workshops across the world. What began with one vision and one meal has become a movement of love, purpose, and awakening, igniting hope, generosity, and collective change.