Recently, several citizens were honored for their commitment to community sevice.

Age proves to be just a number when it comes to contributing back to the community. Among the Champions of Justice, were two Champions On The Rise:  Memorie Samuel, 16, was the first to be honored.

Upon learning that King Hall Women and Children's Shelter were suffering from a coat shortage she set a goal to collect 1,000 coats and had exceeded that goal by collecting 1,638 coats.

"It only takes one simple idea to make a difference in the lives of others," Memorie said.

Acceptance is all most people really want in life. That is what the Riverside Poly High School Cross Country team gives to one of their team members, Brian Holt.

Brian is autistic and for the Cross Country team to accept him as they would accept anyone else is the definition of true champions on the rise.

"Most of our kids have not had to deal with a special needs kid like Brian. It's a learning curve for everyone how to handle Brian, how Brian responds to us," said Coach Saucedo.

"Everybody should be able to participate and feel included," said teammembers. Poly High's Cross Country team is truly setting an example for other teams to also include those that face certain obstacles.

(l-r): Virginia Blumenthal, Rose Mayes, Lawrence T. Geraty, Victor Miceli, and Ali Sahabi.

Home searching can be a difficult journey for some families, especially if they cannot find a home that they qualify for. There are people that are willing to help those families out. David Constantino, President and Chief Operating Officer of Patrion Mortgage LLC is one of them. His company helps families to be approved for homes that they possibly weren't qualified for.

Being a leader comes with several different qualities, but most importantly a leader shows diversity. Lawrence T.  Geraty, President and Professor of Archeology at La Sierra University is the manifestation of diversity. He has lived and studied throughout the world which has translated into his leadership style.

Apart of giving back to the community is giving back to those who don't have as much, like the homeless for example. "We are building God's reign on earth," said Rev. Jane Quandt, Senior Minister of First Congregational Church.

The church has served the homeless for over twenty years through Project Food, their Wednesday evening feeding program.

The Jewish Family Service of San Diego and the Coachella Valley Shelter and Overnight Services (JFS and SOS) also play a vital role in providing for the homeless.

Champions of Justice honorees with Master and Mistress of Ceremonies Victor Miceli (back row center) and Virginia Blumenthal (front row left).

"There are seven congregations that each have volunteers that cook meals and open up the doors of the church for the homeless to stay. We have served  over 150 people and placed a 100 people in housing," said Linda Barrack,  director of Operations.

"Balancing Prosperity With Integrity," that's the motto of Prosperity Homes in Mission Viejo. Prosperity Real Estate Investments Inc.(PRELL) provides affordable condominium housing where there is little to be found.

They are condo converters, purchasing and renovating older apartment complexes to condominiums then they sell them to the public at affordable prices.  PRELL also helps finance any income family with buying their first home.