January 5, 2024

Mercy Home coworkers gathered for their annual Christmas Luncheon to celebrate the holidays, reflect on the past year, and honor a beloved coworker for 34 years of dedicated service. 

Friends, family members, and coworkers celebrated Monica Payton Cook as she prepares to retire following a storied career changing young lives at Mercy Home. Mercy Home President Fr. Scott Donahue reflected on all that Payton Cook has meant to the mission for more than three decades before awarding her with a Guardian Angel statue.

“The image I have of [Monica] and the award that we’re going to give her is the guardian angel,” Fr. Donahue said. “Angels are messengers from God. They bring good news. And in the 34 years that Monica has been with us, she has truly been an angel, one who delivers good news and does the work of God. … You could have done so many things with your life [but] you chose Mercy Home and by choosing Mercy Home, we are truly blessed.”

Payton Cook chose a career in social work over an earlier ambition in the legal field. She worked for 16 years in direct youth care before moving to our youth programs administrative area, and most recently with residents in our supportive housing program. Fr. Scott also spoke about how Payton Cook was a quiet but strong presence at the Home, and someone who helped so many young people during her time with us. A video greeting from a former youth who expressed gratitude for the compassionate care he received was an emotional highlight of the presentation. 

“You have been a big source of inspiration and encouragement and guidance,” the alum said. “The impact that you’ve made on my life continues to be a cornerstone. Thanks for a job well done. We love you.”

Payton Cook was also presented with a book of messages from coworkers as a goodbye gift.

“I really want to thank each and every one of you,” she said. “I can’t think of a better place to work 34 years.” She thanked her many coworkers over the years, calling them the best you could ever hope to have. That included her best friend, Monti Clayton, whom she knew since childhood and who referred Payton Cook to Mercy Home 34 years ago. 

“You guys are my family. You are my home,” she said, adding “I love each and every one of you.”

In addition to honoring Payton Cook, Fr. Scott also gave a reflection on the past year, noting that Mercy Home was again awarded as top workplace in Chicago.

“Culture is created by you,” he said. “If people are feeling good about where they’re working and what they’re doing and the mission they’re about, good things happen. You should all be very, very proud of yourselves.”

He also recognized that it takes the work of all our coworkers to make Mercy Home succeed.

“It takes everyone here at Mercy Home for Boys & Girls to be part of the larger picture and the work of the Home,” he said. “Every single one of the folks here, you play a major role through the Home.”