KICKIN' IT WITH DADS is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that believes engaged fathers build stronger families and empowered communities. Established in 2021 and headquartered in Columbia, SC, our mission is to motivate and equip dads to embrace their irreplaceable role through relationship-strengthening programs, events, and mentoring opportunities. Founded by dad-of-three, Shondell Ricks after recognizing a lack of groups supporting father involvement, Kickin' It With Dad began host an annual Family Day event in Columbia, South Carolina with the goal of creating a "Family Day" that gets families outside and enjoying activities together around Father's Day. 

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 The organic need demonstrated by over 1000 participants attending yearly since our debut year inspired incorporating as an official nonprofit to broaden our community impact. Now our dynamic team of dedicated volunteers develops initiatives like our signature annual Family Day festival which drew 1,500 attendees last year for free food, contests, music and family activities uniting our community.

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We also facilitate impactful conversations challenging stereotypes around modern fatherhood, provide back-to-school backpacks and haircut vouchers for deserving students, lead by example through mentorship, and forge corporate partnerships enabling dads to show up as their best selves. Kicking It With Dad aspires to model compassion, wisdom and clarity for every father seeking to embrace the responsibility of generational leadership.

 

We equip dads to channel past pain into progress, overcome systemic pitfalls and put family first. When dads thrive, our youth and community thrive too!