In 2019, Loonèy Chery arrived at Malta House with her baby girl during one of the most vulnerable seasons of her life. She came feeling lost, overwhelmed, and unsure of what her future would look like, but she was determined to find stability and create something better for herself and her daughter. What began as a place of shelter became much more. Malta House gave her a home with structure, support, and the space to begin rebuilding her life one step at a time without judgement. 

Making the Most of Her Time at Malta House

During her time at Malta House, Loonèy began learning the importance of structure, accountability, and using the resources available to her. At the time, some of the expectations were not always easy, but looking back, she understands how those routines helped prepare her for life beyond the program.

She often encourages current residents to take full advantage of their time at Malta House.

“You may not always understand the structure while you are in it, but one day you’ll look back and realize it was helping you become stronger, more focused, and more prepared for life outside of Malta House.”

For Loonèy, Malta House became part of the foundation that helped her believe a different future was possible.

Transitioning Into the Real World

Leaving Malta House came with its own challenges. Looney was still learning how to navigate motherhood, independence, work, school, and life outside of a residential program. Like many young mothers, she had to figure out how to provide for her child while also pursuing her own goals.

One of her first priorities was building stability. She worked, cared for her daughter, and continued taking steps toward her education, even when the path was not always easy.

College soon became one of her biggest goals. Loonèy went on to earn her associate degree from Norwalk Community College, an accomplishment that helped her see what was possible when determination met opportunity.

Continuing Her Education and Career

After earning her associate degree, Loonèy continued her educational journey and graduated from Southern Connecticut State University in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in sociology.

Today, she is pursuing her master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration and Leadership while continuing her work in college access, student support, and educational outreach.

Her professional path has allowed her to serve students and families across Connecticut, helping them navigate college planning, financial aid, educational resources, and long-term success.

Giving Back Through The College Access Collaborative

Loonèy is also the founder of The College Access Collaborative of Connecticut, also known as CAC, a Connecticut-based initiative created to support students and families through the college and career readiness process.

Through CAC, Loonèy helps students and families understand financial aid, prepare for college, access resources, and build a clearer pathway toward higher education. Her work is especially focused on first-generation, low-income, multilingual, and underserved communities.

For Loonèy, this work is deeply personal. She knows what it feels like to need guidance, stability, and someone who believes in your future before you fully believe in it yourself.

A Full-Circle Moment

Years after leaving Malta House, returning to speak with residents became a meaningful full-circle moment for Loonèy. She was no longer only sharing her story as someone who had once lived there. She was returning as a mother, a graduate, a professional, a graduate student, and a founder.

Her journey is still unfolding, but it reflects resilience, faith, determination, and the power of support at the right time.

Today, Malta House continues to cheer Loonèy on as she builds a future for her children, gives back to her community, and helps other young people believe that their current circumstances do not define what they are capable of becoming.

On May 8, 2026, Malta House was honored to welcome Loonèy to our annual Gala, where she shared the story of her journey toward independence. We are in gratitude for her gracious warmth and inspiring model for the mothers of Malta House. 

To learn about how you can support Malta House moms and babies, please visit this page.