Steven Zonis and his 6 year-old standard poodle, Rudy, have spent the year helping first responders, front-line workers and more cope with tragedy and stress. It's been so impactful, Rudy is getting nationally recognized as a top therapy dog for the American Humane Society! (Photo: Steven Zonis and Rudy, volunteering at a response site, courtesy of Steven Zonis.)

Janet Hewson has volunteered as a guardian on more than a dozen Honor Flights since 2013, most with the non-profit Honor Flight Southland. She does this in honor of her late father, Frederick Huson, a Korean War Veteran, and for all of those who have served our nation. Hear a special extended interview with Janet, as she chats with Heroes Host Heather Jordan about the trip itineraries in Washington, D.C., and learn how you can get involved in their “homecoming” events! Photo: Janet Hewson and her late father, Frederick Huson, US Army - Korean War Veteran, during an Honor Flight they took together. Frederick is holding a picture of his younger self, serving in the US Army, while based in Germany.

Listen to a special extended feature with Lousine Adjemian of RadNet! She's the Director of Mammography Training, and she's created a special dance party to help people get moving, and healing! Photo, courtesy of Lousine Adjemian: Lousine leading the way at a recent "Dance Your Way To Health" event for survivors and patients.

He’s inspiring young volleyball players all over the metro! Coach Boo has not only taken the Reseda Charter High School team from a non-winning season to winning championships in just a few years, he’s leading a non-profit as well! He chats with KNX Heroes Host Heather Jordan about Outrigger Youth Athletics, and more! Photo: Isebiu Reyes “Coach Boo” during a volleyball match. Courtesy of Isebiu Reyes.

Clothing, food, school supplies - if it’s needed, Karin Foreman finds a way to provide it! She leads the BE Helping Hands ministry, a program Karin started in 2016 to help people all over Southern California, who need a little extra support. Photo: Karin Foreman (left) and her daughter, Moriah. Courtesy of Karin Foreman (Connect via FB - https://www.facebook.com/BEHelpingHands)

Named as one of the 2026 Orange County Teachers of the Year, Mrs. Lee uses an array of hands-on activities to help her students learn quickly, all while having fun and building a strong foundation! Photo: (center) Teacher Megan Lee, in her classroom at Loera Elementary, getting honored by OCDE. (Courtesy of Megan Lee)

Jenna Grabow and her sister-in-law Anna Lundmark are changing the landscape when it comes to employment for people with autism! Jenna, who is autistic, struggled to find a job after graduating from beauty school. So, she teamed up with Anna to create their own beauty brand! One of their missions is to hire 100 skilled and talented people, who are differently-abled! In the last year, they've accomplished a lot! Click to hear a special, extended interview with KNX Heroes Host Heather Jordan! Photo: The Beauty by Jenna team during a recent Zoom call: (front l-r) Jenna Grabow, Anna Lundmark (back l-r) Manny Cabrera, Teal Kim and Henry Haubrich.

Fashion stylist and author Jen Principe is changing lives with her non-profit, The Phoenix Effect! From teenagers going through chemo treatments, to parents dealing with cancer, Jen curates a unique photo shoot experience for each Phoenix, so they can shine and smile brightly! Oftentimes, it's the boost they need to keep pushing through their challenges! Photo: Stylist Jen Principe, courtesy of Tony Principe, photographer.

Barry Cogert and his fellow team of incredible musicians at Jazz Angels are enriching the minds of middle school students, through the power of music and live performance! Photo: Jazz Angels Co-Founder and Managing Director Barry Cogert, courtesy of photographer Mark Barnes.

Ms. Blake is starting her 21st year at Ladera Vista Junior High School of the Arts in the Fullerton School District. The English language arts, honors English and composition teacher is inspiring students to be brave, and reach for the stars! Photo, courtesy of Darcy Blake: Teacher Darcy Blake (left), 2018 Nobel Peace Prize winner Nadia Murad (middle), and former student, Kate Ha (right).

Race car driver Austin Varco continues to move up the ranks in the racing world, inspiring the autism community along the way! The 25 year-old shares with KNX Heroes Host Heather Jordan how his autism diagnosis changed his life, he chats about his non-profit, and he reveals his big news - his upcoming Nascar debut!

Maury Ornest secretly created more than 1,400 paintings and sketches, while battling mental illness. Art was a way to connect with the outside world. His family is now sharing his pieces and telling his story, with all proceeds going to local charities. Families who lost homes in the recent Los Angeles area fires can also receive a free piece of artwork. Photo: Laura Ornest and her husband, Rick Leslie. Courtesy of Laura Ornest. https://www.mauryornest.com

Kim Cantin and her teenage daughter survived the Montecito mudslides in 2018, but sadly, her husband and teenage son did not. Through the devastating loss, Kim was able to find hope, and gain strength to rebuild their lives. Our KNX Hero of the Week is now helping survivors of the recent, deadly floods in Texas cope with their own recovery and grief. Photo: Kim Cantin, her late husband Dave, son Jack, and daughter Lauren in 2007. Photo Courtesy of the Cantin family.

14 year-old Dhilan Patel and 16 year-old Kavin Patel are helping the Tustin senior community navigate websites and phone apps with their program called Support For Seniors. The brothers are also organizing health fairs and companion walks for seniors - they are truly making a difference! 
Photo: Dhilan Patel and Kavin Patel, courtesy of the Patel family. IG: supportforseniors_

Christine is the founder and executive director of Animals In Need Rescue Network, based in LA County. She and her large team of volunteers offer an array of services for animals, including “trap, neuter and return” and assistance with medical needs. They also find foster homes, help with transportation and rescue operations, and more! Check them out at animalsinneedrescuenetwork.org Photo courtesy of Christine Brown.

Accomplished cellist and performer Debora Wondercheck is paying it forward once again, with the Arts and Learning Conservatory in Costa Mesa! Her non-profit serves thousands of kids all over Southern California, with the purpose of making arts equitable and accessible for kids of all backgrounds. They are gearing up for their big summer performance this month of The Wizard of Oz, in their new performing arts center! Photo courtesy for Debora Wondercheck and Arts and Learning Conservatory (https://www.artsandlearning.org)

Conor Ross helping lead a special project in the Bishop Manor neighborhood of Santa Ana. They are tearing down the old and broken, and bringing in the new! The new, safe play space will help revitalize and connect a diverse and divided community! (Photo courtesy of Conor Ross)

From teaching construction skills to working small jobs, to learning money management and inspiring self love! Bryant is opening a world of possibility to each young person who goes through his Handy Blessed Hands Youth Mentorship Program. Photo: Bryant Sparrow with students in the Handy Blessed Hands Youth Mentorship Program, on a trip to a local 5-star restaurant to learn etiquette and money management.

At just 21 years-old, Shant is a rising star within the medical profession! A long-time volunteer, the Glendale native is quickly moving up the ranks in the field of healthcare administration, brushing shoulders with some of the best community leaders and healthcare professionals in Southern California! Photo: Courtesy of Shant Kevorkian

Sheri Waldstein is the founder of Happy Hats for Kids in Hospitals, a non-profit based in LA County. Her team of volunteers have gifted more than 1.3 million hats to families around the world! Photo: Sheri Waldstein, courtesy of Happy Hats for Kids in Hospitals.