FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Neighborhood House to Rename Rainier Vista Site as The Wilcox Center
Event honors Shirley and Louis Wilcox, community icons and lifelong volunteers
What:
Neighborhood House will host a celebration to rename its Rainier Vista building as The Wilcox Center, honoring Shirley and Louis Wilcox for their extraordinary contributions to the community. The event will also recognize Neighborhood House volunteers—past, present, and future—whose service continues the Wilcoxes’ legacy.
The Wilcox Center is home to Head Start and Early Head Start classrooms, caregiver support groups, resource navigation, and community spaces—programs that reflect the Wilcoxes’ lifelong dedication to service, education, and equity.
When:
Tuesday, October 7th, 2025
6:00 –8:00 PM
Where:
Neighborhood House – Rainier Vista (soon to be The Wilcox Center)
4410 29th Ave S
Seattle, WA 98108
Who:
- Community leaders, elected officials, and partners
- Neighborhood House staff and volunteers
- Family and friends of Shirley and Louis Wilcox
- Remarks from Executive Director Janice Deguchi, community members, and volunteers
Why:
Shirley Wilcox made history in 1954 as the first Black President of Neighborhood House’s Board of Directors, leading the organization through transformative growth and lasting partnerships. Together with her husband Louis—a beloved music teacher, mentor, and volunteer—the Wilcoxes dedicated their lives to service, education, and equity. Their legacy continues to inspire Neighborhood House’s work today.
Visuals:
- Unveiling of the new building name
- Community celebration with volunteers, partners, and residents
- Historic photos of Shirley and Louis Wilcox
Contact:
Emma Riahi
Communications Manager, Neighborhood House
emmar@nhwa.org | (206) 941-3944