Meet Nicole Bachoura of Faith Forward LA (FFLA)

Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Bachoura.

Hi Nicole, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
Growing up in a first-generation immigrant household, I learned early on the importance of education and hard work. It motivated me to excel academically and stay involved in extracurricular activities. During my school years, I volunteered at my local library and church, and later at City of Hope. These experiences sparked my passion for service and healthcare, a commitment that has continued well into my adulthood.

I attended California State University, Northridge, where I earned a degree in psychology and a minor in anthropology while holding two jobs in the service industry. Working in service helped me build interpersonal skills and pushed me to step out of my comfort zone.

After graduating, I worked as a certified nursing assistant and spent my summers coordinating Vacation Bible School with my cousin at our local church. We discovered that we balanced each other’s strengths and weaknesses, and felt inspired to do more for our community. That ultimately led us to launch Faith Forward LA, a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to making a positive difference through monthly social events, service projects, and biweekly Bible studies.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not. The road has felt more like a roller coaster, full of ups and downs. I’ve dealt with failure, personal loss, and uncertainty about where I fit in. I once had a very clear vision of my future, but after losing someone very close to me a few years ago, I realized how unpredictable life can be.

I was also faced with the harsh realization that life is shaped by how we respond to both positive and negative experiences, and that the people around us play a major role during those times.

Faith Forward LA has given me a supportive community where I continue to grow both personally and professionally. Together, we’ve built a welcoming environment that encourages growth and acceptance, two things that have helped me navigate some of the toughest moments.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Faith Forward LA (FFLA)?
Faith Forward LA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering a community of young adults who want to deepen their relationship with Christ together. It provides an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome, regardless of their stage in their faith journey. Our goal is to build a vibrant network of like-minded young adults centered on faith, fellowship, and service.

Throughout the year, we host a variety of social gatherings, service projects, and faith-inspired events. These often include potlucks, music nights, volunteer initiatives, and guest speakers who share faith-filled inspiration.

During the recent holiday season, we organized several family-focused activities, including setting up a nativity scene at Our Lady Queen of Martyrs Church and volunteering at the Ararat Home of Los Angeles, an assisted living facility for seniors. We also hosted a Christmas Toy Drive that collected more than 500 toys for local children.

We also help organize religious services, such as Ash Wednesday, and host events, including our Bonfire Worship Night in Huntington Beach, featuring live music.

Upcoming events include a Bowling Social on March 20 and a Blood Donation Drive with the American Red Cross on April 4. Readers can stay connected and learn about upcoming events by following @FaithForwardLA on Instagram and TikTok or visiting our website at faithforwardla.com.

In addition to attending our public events, one of the best ways to get involved is by signing up for our biweekly Bible study at the link below, where we joyfully explore Scripture and grow in faith together.

Bible Study sign-up link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZ9d3Ejb1ER-TbeuhcE7km7OEi0W04Ku4llbNNSd3z0lQ7aw/viewform

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Taking risks is terrifying, but necessary. Some of the most rewarding experiences in my life have come from taking a leap of faith. Whenever I do, I put my faith in God, follow His guidance, and try to cast all my fears onto Him.

Recently, I took two major risks. About six months ago, I decided to follow my calling to become a nurse, which made me quite nervous. While I always knew I wanted to work in healthcare, I wasn’t exactly sure where I fit within the field. I trusted God, applied to nursing school, and recently received my acceptance letter. I’ll be starting this year.

My second leap of faith, and the most successful one, was founding Faith Forward LA. My passion for service has always inspired me to dream of starting a nonprofit, and Faith Forward LA turned that dream into reality. Leading these programs isn’t always easy in the moment. I continue to face obstacles and challenges that come with leadership and planning, but the outcomes and impact they create are what make it worth it for me and keep me moving forward. Each time, I trust that the outcome will be worth it in the end. I’ve learned that it’s all about trusting the process.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.faithforwardla.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithforwardla/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Faith-Forward-La/61582693330060/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@faithforwardla