Conducting the First Survey

The first Aspire survey is an important step in helping participants identify areas of strength and areas where growth may be needed. The survey is designed to provide a clear snapshot of a participant’s current situation across several dimensions of well-being.

Facilitators should approach the survey as a conversation rather than a checklist. The goal is not simply to complete the indicators, but to help participants reflect on their current circumstances and begin identifying practical steps toward improvement.

Because many individuals entering recovery programs may be experiencing stress, uncertainty, or emotional difficulty, facilitators should prioritize patience, empathy, and trust-building throughout the process.

Preparing for the Survey

Before beginning the survey, facilitators should ensure the following information is collected and entered accurately:

• Participant name
• Pre-program address
• County of residence
• Email address (if available)
• Phone number (if available)
• Correct geographic mapping of the address

Accurate information ensures that the data collected through Aspire reflects the true communities being impacted by addiction and recovery challenges. This data can later help inform local leaders and legislators about where resources and recovery support may be most needed.

Explaining the Aspire Process to Participants

Before beginning the indicators, it is helpful to briefly explain the purpose of the survey to the participant.

Example explanation

“This survey helps us understand where you are right now in different areas of life like housing, employment, health, and personal goals. There are no right or wrong answers. It simply helps us identify areas where you may want to focus during your time in the program.”

Reassure participants that:

• The survey is not a test
• Their responses are confidential
• The goal is to support their progress and growth

Working Through the Indicators

The ASPIRE survey includes 53 indicators of well-being. Use the wording and answer choices displayed in the current survey.

These indicators help evaluate:

• Income and Employment
• Health and Environment
• Housing and Infrastructure
• Education and Culture
• Participation and Belonging
• Motivation and Goals

Facilitators should guide participants through each indicator and allow them to select the level that best reflects their current situation.

Encourage participants to answer honestly. Honest responses provide the most helpful starting point for building a meaningful improvement plan.

Using the Stoplight Model

The Stoplight colors summarize the participant’s selected level for each indicator at the time of the assessment.

Green — the selected answer describes stability or strength in that area.

Yellow — the selected answer describes an unmet need or room for improvement.

Red — the selected answer describes a more significant unmet need.

A color alone does not prove improvement. Review an earlier assessment to identify change, and use the full answer wording to guide the conversation.

Introducing SMART Goals

After the indicators have been completed, facilitators should help participants begin identifying SMART goals based on the results.

SMART goals help turn reflection into action.

SMART stands for:

Example SMART Goals

Instead of saying:

“I want to save money.”

A SMART goal might be:

“I will save 20% of each paycheck for the next three months.”

Another example:

Instead of:

“I want to improve my health.”

A SMART goal could be:

“I will schedule a dental appointment within the next 30 days.”

SMART goals help participants move from general intentions to practical steps.

Encouraging Participant Ownership

The Aspire process works best when participants take ownership of their goals.

Facilitators should encourage participants to:

• Focus on a few achievable goals at first
• Celebrate small progress steps
• Revisit goals during follow-up surveys

Small improvements over time can lead to significant long-term change.

Ending the Survey

At the conclusion of the survey:

1. Review the selected answers and Stoplight results with the participant.
2. Confirm the participant’s priorities and the actions they want to take.
3. Record SMART goals, coaching notes, and any supported achievements.
4. Save the survey and complete the documentation and follow-up checklist below.

Facilitators should thank participants for their time and emphasize that the survey will help guide their progress during the program.

Survey completion checklist

• Confirm the participant’s name, unique ID, organization or campus, and available contact information. Check for an existing profile before creating another one.

• Review the participant’s selected answers. Use the current indicator wording and clarify any response the participant wants to discuss.

• Record the participant’s priorities, actions, support needed, and target dates. Review existing priorities at follow-up assessments.

• Add achievements when a specific accomplishment or improvement is supported. Capture the participant’s explanation rather than guessing the cause.

• Enter brief coaching notes and save the assessment. At CRCI, make sure Aspire and Airtable correspond with the CPSS work actually completed; partner programs should use their own tracking system.

• Record the next follow-up date, the staff member responsible, and any unresolved data corrections or support needs.

Brief coaching notes

Record the assessment date and purpose, the participant’s stated needs, coaching or support provided, progress discussed, and the next action. Distinguish participant reports from direct staff observations. A PIE format can organize this as Problem, Intervention, and Evaluation without adding unsupported conclusions.

Follow up planning

At CRCI, plan the baseline at entry, routine follow-ups within 30–45 days during Phases 1–3, and follow-ups at 90-day intervals during Phase 4. Record the actual due date and responsible staff member in the tracker. Partner organizations should use the schedule agreed with their Aspire lead and reporting requirements.

Plan exit and alumni assessments separately according to the program’s agreed schedule. If a six-month final assessment is required, confirm the date and assessment period it represents. If an assessment is missed or the participant is unavailable, record the reason, outreach attempts, and next action.

When a participant leaves and returns

Locate the existing participant ID and review the prior assessments before creating another record. Document the departure and return dates. Confirm with the organization’s Aspire lead whether a new baseline or a follow-up fits the current episode, and retain the earlier assessment history.

Assessment dates and corrections

Record when the participant actually completed the assessment. If a historical entry or date correction is requested, confirm the intended assessment period and follow the authorized correction process. Document the reason for the change and any difference between the assessment date and entry date. Do not present current answers as though they were given at an earlier date.