Auntie Vi is giving back to her hometown in a major way!

Viola Davis and her husband, Julius Tennon donated $1.2 million to launch an ‘engagement center’ in Central Falls, Rhode Island.

The Mary Alice Davis Family Engagement Center–named after Viola Davis’ mom–aims to “strengthen families and connect Rhode Islanders with resources to thrive.”

“For me, this has always been about possibility,” said Viola Davis. “Every person deserves to be seen. Every family deserves opportunity. Every child deserves to grow up believing their future is larger than their circumstances. My mother believed in people, even when life was difficult. Naming this Center in her honor is a tribute to her strength and a promise that we will continue investing in people and creating places where hope can grow.”

The Center will offer the following:

• A Parent Resource Center
• Parent University and Adult Empowerment programming
• The expanded Mary Alice Davis Food Pantry
• Meeting and collaboration space for nonprofit organizations
• Workforce development and financial literacy programming
• Family Engagement initiatives
• Community events and educational workshops

The Center is funded through the Davis-Tennon Foundation and hopes to be a one-stop shop for Rhody families seeking resources.

“More than a building, the Mary Alice Davis Family Engagement Center will serve as a place where individuals and families can access services, education, support, and opportunity in one welcoming location,” the announcement stated.

What a great tribute to Viola Davis’ mom.