About
Our Vision, Mission, History, and Goals
Vision: a world where all children have access to artistic expression and nurturing for academic success.
Mission: to help disadvantaged children experience academic and personal success through the arts. We carry out this mission by partnering with schools and other organizations to provide supplemental instruction that builds confidence, literacy, and leaders.
History: Thank You Darlin’ Foundation was founded by our executive director, Carolyn West, on July 2, 2004, and became a fully accredited 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization with tax-exempt status on November 4, 2004. In March 2006, the organization launched its first arts and literacy-focused poetry program, which involved only five students, through collaborative efforts with Summerglen Library and Fossil Hill Middle School in the Keller Independent School District. Later, Ms. West established collaborations with the Fort Worth Independent School District and the 21st Century Community Learning Centers, enriching thousands of young students’ lives.
Goals: We are committed to achieving three critical goals.
- To increase access to the arts for people in diverse communities.
- To help underserved youth better navigate academic and social challenges by strengthening communication skills, including writing, reading, and public speaking.
- To broaden self and social awareness.
Our Recognition for Excellence in Community Service

Fort Worth City’s Mayor, Betsy Price (center), recognized TYDF for providing excellent community service.
We practice transparency
The Thank You Darlin’ Foundation is a public charity with 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt status. We practice transparency and have received the Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, an informational service specializing in reporting on U.S. nonprofit companies.