Making a Difference – Just Like Mom.

When it came to her decision to pursue social work as a career and join Mission Services, Payton didn’t have to think long as to when she made that decision.

“Tenth grade Careers class,” she laughs, “I wrote it down and never looked back.”

She also doesn’t have to think long as to who inspired her to pursue it.

“My mom, without a doubt,” Payton says. “She’s been in the field for over 20 years, and I could see how passionate she is for people in the community.”

Working with vulnerable women and children at Inasmuch House, Payton is faced with many different situations in a given day, but it is her care for people that motivates her.

“It’s a very person-centred field. Each individual is different, and each day at work is different because you’re with so many different people. I love it and I think that’s what my mom loves about it too—the fast-paced environment, seeing different people and hearing different stories. She shared that love with me and here we are.”

Payton began working in the child and youth program at Inasmuch House in July 2024 through the Canada Summer Jobs program, and transitioned to her current full-time role as a Residential Client Advocate when the opportunity became available.

“I love the atmosphere here, all the women are super supportive and amazing. My heart is about working with women, so I love this position at Inasmuch House so much.”

Payton’s mom, Jenn, works at Juravinski Hospital as a Care Coordinator, helping patients and their families prepare for the transition from hospital care to home care.

“My mom is very versatile in her work, and I feel like that’s a skill that I’ve picked up from her. She’s also a resilient person who puts 100% into both her work and her family, and that’s what inspired me to go into the field as well,” Payton said.

Jenn says she’s happy to guide Payton along her path of helping the women and children who live at Inasmuch House.

“I’m so proud of Payton, she’s a natural. I knew from a young age that she would do something like this for her career. I’m thrilled and happy to show her the way. We’ve had lots of discussions along the way about how challenging this career can be, but also how rewarding.”

Inasmuch House is a safe haven for women and children escaping domestic violence. Payton says that though she is not a mother herself, she is thankful to use the skills she learned from her own mom to help the women in shelter this Mother’s Day.

“I want to work with this community and I want to help where I can, and be a support for someone who needs it.”

Whenever Payton is on day shift, Jenn picks her up from work, and they get a chance on the drive home to grow and bond over shared experiences.

“Mom’s been doing this for years, so she’s almost mastered it, but I’m still getting there, step-by-step. She’s such a big part of my support system, and a lot of things that she’s learned about what’s important in the field, she transfers on to me.”

While Jenn won’t go so far as to say that Payton is the favourite of her three children, she acknowledged that there is a special bond between the two of them, based on their similar careers.

“We’ve had lots of discussions along the way that are definitely different than her other siblings. She’s a very good listener, and can also help me in a way as well. Working at Mission Services has been a fantastic place for her to gain experience and prepare for the future.”

What does that future hold? Hopefully gaining work experience, going back to school, and continuing to make a difference in the lives of others.

“Now that I’ve graduated, I’m in the process of applying for my master’s degree in social work, just like my mom.”

Just like Mom.