Survivors for Change
From Lived Experience to Lasting Change
Building a Better Future for Youth Sport
Survivors for Change (S4C) brings together lived experience, research and community partnership to help build stronger leaders, healthier relationships and safer youth sport environments.
S4C is an initiative of the International Institute for Sport & Behavioral Health within the University of Kentucky College of Social Work. Through its flagship initiative, Project Blue Line, Survivors for Change provides education, research and organizational support for coaches, parents, sport leaders and communities working to create safer and healthier environments for young athletes.
From Healing to Prevention
Survivors for Change was founded in 2020 by athlete survivors Michael Sacks and Kelly Gee. What began as a space for peer support and advocacy has grown into an initiative focused on preventing harm and strengthening the people and organizations that shape youth sport.
Today, Survivors for Change combines lived experience with evidence-informed practice to improve coaching, leadership, communication and organizational culture. Its partnership with the University of Kentucky connects community experience with research and practical implementation.
Our Mission
To strengthen youth sport through advocacy, education, research and community leadership while supporting healthier relationships, safer environments and positive youth development.
Stronger Leaders. Safer Sport.
Project Blue Line (PBL) is the flagship initiative of Survivors for Change and the University of Kentucky. Originally launched with support from the National Hockey League Foundation and the Chicago Blackhawks Foundation, the program helps sport organizations create safer, healthier and more positive environments.
Education and Training
Interactive workshops and online learning experiences for:
- Coaches
- Parents and caregivers
- Organizational leaders
- Sport organizations
Organizational Support
Helping organizations move from reactive responses to proactive cultural change.
- Culture assessments
- Strategic planning
- Leadership consultation
- Policy and implementation guidance
- Program evaluation
Navigator Program
A train-the-trainer model connecting sport leadership with social work expertise.
- Conflict resolution
- Communication
- Leadership coaching
- SafeSport collaboration
- Crisis support
- Community engagement
The Survivors for Change Difference
Project Blue Line goes beyond traditional compliance training. It helps organizations develop the people, relationships and cultures that shape the youth sport experience.
By bringing together research, education, consultation and community partnership, Survivors for Change equips leaders to:
- Strengthen relationships
- Improve communication
- Build healthier organizational cultures
- Create safer environments for young athletes
Turning Evidence Into Action
Working alongside University of Kentucky researchers, Project Blue Line evaluates its curriculum, programming and organizational impact to ensure its work remains measurable, adaptable and responsive to the needs of youth sport communities.
Research and evaluation support continuous program improvement and help identify effective practices that can be shared across sport settings.
UK College of Social Work announces partnership with Survivors for Change
Together, the two groups aim to develop innovative training programs that prioritize athlete safety, foster positive youth development and build stronger, more collaborative relationships among coaches, players and parents.
Let’s Build Better Sport Together
Whether you represent a youth sport organization, school district, athletic department, governing body or community organization, Project Blue Line can be tailored to meet your needs.
Connect with our team to discuss your organization, explore available programs and identify the right next step.
Support the Future of Youth Sport
Your support helps expand education, research and community programming that strengthens leaders, fosters healthier relationships and creates safer sport environments for young people.
Every gift helps extend the reach of Survivors for Change and Project Blue Line.
Crisis Support Statement: If you feel you or someone you know is in crisis, call 911 (or call RAINN at 800-656-4673) or go to an emergency room to get immediate help.