The Thank You Darlin’ Foundation (TYDF), a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit, was founded on July 2, 2004, as a tribute to our founder and executive director’s mother, whose unwavering commitment to uplifting others persisted even in the face of terminal cancer. Her heartfelt expression of gratitude, “Thank you darlin’,” resonated deeply, radiating warmth, love, and a profound sense of value to all who encountered it. This endearing phrase not only inspired the name but also embodies the very essence and ethos of our organization’s culture.

Our Vison and Mission

We envision a world where all children have access to artistic expression and support for academic success. Our mission is to promote youth literacy through the arts.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• Implemented arts education programs in 30+ North Texas Title 1 public schools, impacting underserved communities and serving over 200 K-12 students annually.
• The TYDF poetry curriculum was recognized for Best Practices in the 2007-2008 evaluation report by Texas A&M University.
• TYDF was honored with the Outstanding Service Provider Award from the FWISD Fort Worth After School Program.
• Our organization proudly published children’s poems alongside the works of Dr. Maya Angelou in our inaugural anthology.
• TYDF youth showcased their talents at the 21st Century Community Learning Centers 2015 Summer Institute Conference, hosted by the US Board of Education, attended by 1600 educators and administrators.
• TYDF students have had the privilege of performing at several Fort Worth City Mayfest events.
• A poetry performance by TYDF students garnered an impressive 457,127 views on YouTube in December 2014.
• Published 8 anthologies of original poetry by students, fostering artistic expression and literary exploration.
• In 2018, TYDF poets took part in the FWISD & TCU Racial Equity Summit at Texas Christian University.
• In 2020, TYDF launched its virtual learning poetry and literacy program, catering to marginalized students across 15 FWISD Title 1 schools.
• In April 2022, TYDF hosted its 14th annual citywide Voice2Youth Poetry Slam at the historic I.M. Terrell Academy for STEM and VPA.
• Hosted our 15th Annual Voice2Youth Poetry Slam at Texas Christian University April 2023.