Community Assessment Survey coming in January Published Dec. 16, 2010 HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. -- In January the Air Force will launch the 2011 Community Assessment Survey of service members, spouses, reservists, spouses of reservists and Department of Defense civilians. This survey is the best way for Hanscom community members to make their opinions and needs known. The results will be used by base leaders and the Integrated Delivery System team to target resources where they are most needed and to enhance the well-being and resilience of the base community. According to Lisa Pizarro, Hanscom's Air Force Needs Survey marketing coordinator, participation is crucial to the success of the project and selected members are strongly urged to take part. Community members at Air Force bases worldwide will be randomly selected to participate in the study. A notification letter that includes a link to the web-based survey will be sent to the work e-mail address of each active duty member, civilian and reservist selected to participate. Spouses will receive a letter in the mail with the web link. "The 2011 Community Assessment Survey provides community members a wonderful opportunity to improve the Air Force and Hanscom communities," said Col. Stacy L. Yike, 66th Air Base Group commander. "It is the best way for us to listen to community members and then provide services to meet their needs and the needs of their families. The survey allows individuals to express their opinions anonymously, so we hope participants will respond openly and honestly to issues that affect them every day." Survey responses can directly influence services and related support activities at local bases and throughout the Air Force. Results from previous Air Force Community Assessments have impacted the policies and programs that support families at every level of the Air Force, to include: - Leadership consultations on workplace stress with targeted unit recommendations - Adjusted and increased fitness center classes to maximize participation - Increased programming and marketing in the wellness and resilience-building arena - Expanded financial counseling programs for members and their families - Marriage retreats for families reunited after deployment - Childcare and other support services adjusted to better match the needs of the community - Increased spouse-to-spouse support, especially during times when service member is deployed or TDY - Increased job opportunities for Air Force spouses "The 2011 Community Assessment Survey is an excellent tool," said Colonel Yike. "We hope those selected will respond to the survey as quickly as possible so we can take action to improve our community." The 2011 survey at Hanscom will be particularly important. The community assessment, along with some supplemental questions, will be used to direct additional resources to help service members and families base wide. Base agencies will be working with researchers to ensure that the survey results are used to maximum benefit. Questions regarding the 2011 Community Assessment Survey can be directed to Ms. Pizarro at 781-377-8874.