Capella names outreach building after retired director Noreen Cotton

The Capella Centre in St. Paul has dedicated their outreach building to retired executive director Noreen Cotton.

Cotton served as the head of the organization for 11 years until her retirement on Dec. 4. During her tenure, the Centre underwent a major renovation, expansion and rebranding.

Capella Centre, formerly known as Columbus House of Hope provides emergency shelter and ongoing supports to victims of family violence in St. Paul and the surrounding area.

“The Capella Centre staff wanted to honor our Executive Director for all the hard work and dedication that she has provided to our Centre over the years. We decided as a team that our Outreach Building be dedicated to her,” said a spokesperson for the centre in a Facebook post.

A plaque honouring Cotton’s legacy is being installed on the Outreach Building where much of the ongoing support for families takes place, including school for students who are unable to attend their usual classes and support groups for women.

The plaque reads: “The Outreach Building, A place of healing, sharing, and change. This space is dedicated to the hard work, perseverance, and commitment of Noreen Cotton. Director of Capella Centre Women’s Shelter 2009-2020.”