Gorham Resident, Sean Callahan joined forces with his 17 Year old Daughter, Kiely to start Dads And Daughters Against Domestic Violence to get more men involved and encourage them to take a more active role to stop domestic violence. Their goal is to establish a group of concerned Dads and Daughters about ending Domestic Violence.

They choose a day each month to encourage Dads and Daughters to spend time together. They organize and plan monthly Dads and Daughters Events throughout Cumberland County to encourage other dads and daughters to get involved too. By getting involved in this effort, dads show their daughters and other women that you care and want to help put an end to domestic violence.

The events also raise awareness and support for Through These Doors, Cumberland County’s resource center that supports and shelters victims of domestic violence. The amazing work they do is not usually visible to the community and anonymous for the ongoing safety of the victims. 

By getting involved, dads also strengthen the relationship they have with their daughter. The benefits of a healthy father/daughter relationshipare extremely important and have a positive impact on her future relationships.

When asked about their vision for Dads and Daughters, Sean said, “Kiely and I strongly believe that more men want to get involved and hope this gives them a platform to get involved. It is our vision that more men and communities across the country and world will join in and start their own local initiatives.”

Past events include a Painting Night with Spirited Paints and The Holy Donut (Scarborough), Self Defense with Sebago Kyokushin Karate (Windham), Yoga with Redefining Yoga, (Windham) New Year’s Eve with the Maine Red Claws, and a French braiding class with Bei Capelli (Scarborough).

Dads and Daughters wants to thank all of their community partners for hosting past events. They would also like to thank Clark Insurance who is their first corporate sponsor, and LT’s of Portland who donated the Dads and Daughters T-Shirts. Please consider supporting these amazing companies with your patronage. Dads and Daughters encourages other businesses or organizations looking to host an event or becoming a corporate sponsor to reach out to Sean and Kiely at dadsanddaughtersttd@gmail.com.

Upcoming Events include: March 15, Hip Hop Dance with Druin Dance; April 26, Improv Comedy with Fresnel Theatre; May 3, Build and Herb Garden for mom; June 7, Dads and Daughters Day with the Portland Sea Dogs.

They are also working on an off-road Jeep Wrangler Ride and a Bowling event with junction bowl. Final dates and details are still being worked out.

Dads and Daughters do not define what a father daughter relationship is and encourage any and all types of father/daughter relationships to get involved and join. All events are geared for all ages so daughters from the age of 3 to 103 are encouraged to bring their “Dad”!

When asked how people can get involved:

Through These Doors is usually not top of mind when people plan their annual philanthropic giving, corporate giving or community involvement. Please consider personally donating directly to Through These doors or make a corporate donation to support the great work they do. Like and Share the Through These Doors Facebook Page.

You can also become a volunteer! Attend the monthly Dads and Daughters events. Keep in mind that dads and daughters of all ages can join the group and attend the Dads and Daughter events. We also encourage any and all types of father/daughter relationships to get involved and join.

Please like the Dads and Daughters Facebook Page. More importantly, please share their page with everyone you know around the world who would support this cause. 

Can’t attend an event or live away but still want to get involved? Please do something special with each other on the Dads and Daughters day of the month and share it on Dads and Daughters Facebook page.