Guiding Light at CHC Anaheim

Gabby Deloza was a single mom working full time as a medical assistant when she first heard about an opening for a Youth Engagement Specialist (YES staff) at CHC – Anaheim. She took the part-time job and before long worked her way to a full-time position, while continuing to maintain her job in pediatric healthcare.

Gabby finally made the courageous decision to dedicate herself full time to the Cov, where she knew she could make a profound impact, supporting young people as they work to overcome homelessness and human trafficking. And to her, CHC – Anaheim, a unique shelter and sanctuary in a converted house, felt like a second home.

Nearly two years later, Gabby is a driving force behind the warm, welcoming environment at CHC. On her evening shifts once a week from 2-11 pm, Gabby often leads activities, including rock painting or karaoke nights, bringing the house to life and filling it with joy.

But Gabby’s background extends beyond activities – her personal journey allows her to relate to the youth she serves. As a former teen Mom who navigated challenges of working multiple full-time jobs and overcoming systemic barriers, she provides a unique perspective and unwavering support for youth going through similar challenges.

“Some particular youth on my case load do have kids, and I can share that I was a teen mom, too,” Gabby said. “We can relate a lot because I’ve gone through it, I’ve gone through the whole system as well. So we bond a lot – I’m able to share that with them.”

At CHC – Anaheim, Gabby isn’t just a staff member — she’s a mentor, a role model, and a source of unwavering support for youth on their journey to stability and success. We are incredibly grateful for her passion, resilience, and heart in making CHC a place where young people can find hope and a path forward.