January 2026
Story County has a unique, collaborative approach to supporting human services through the Analysis of Social Services Evaluation Team, or ASSET. Established in 1985, this volunteer-led process currently brings together four major local funders – the City of Ames, Iowa State University Student Government, Story County, and United Way of Story County – to align local planning, understand community needs and invest wisely in health and human service programs that support youth, families, and individuals.
As a member of the United Way of Story County Board of Directors and Allocations Committee, I have the privilege of serving as a representative on ASSET, which invests over $5.1 million annually in nonprofit organizations right here in Story County. Much of United Way's funding to local nonprofits flows through ASSET, guided by our priorities of Bright Futures, Financial Empowerment, and Collective Well-Being.
Each year, local nonprofits submit funding requests in the fall. ASSET volunteers and the United Way of Story County team work hand in hand with these outstanding organizations, meeting with their teams to see their programs in action and to better understand challenges and successes in serving our community. These nonprofits then meet with over 20 community volunteers and funder representatives that serve on ASSET to share their work and impact. Behind the scenes, we spend countless hours carefully reviewing requests and shaping funding recommendations, which are ultimately reviewed and approved by our Board of Directors.
This unique partnership ensures community voices remain central to our investments and empowers nonprofits to deliver essential services and support to thousands of people across Story County. The work doesn't stop once funding decisions are made. United Way of Story County partners closely with funded nonprofits to track progress, share impact stories, and respond to evolving needs. Our expertise in convening dozens of nonprofits to collect and analyze local community data has shown progress in serving some of Story County's most pressing needs. This collaborative approach was captured in our 2020-2025 Community Impact Agenda and continues to guides the next phase of our community impact work through 2030.
Serving as a United Way of Story County board member and ASSET volunteer is a labor of love, and one happily done! I work diligently alongside other volunteers to ensure your contributions are used responsibly and with the greatest impact to our community's array of needs. I have learned so much and met so many wonderful people through this process – from dedicated volunteers and community leaders to our incredible agency leaders and nonprofit staff. It takes all of us to get it done!
This community-led process is a great example of what makes Story County such a special place, and one I am proud to call home. I'm grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with our neighbors to best serve our community.
-Emma Cassabaum
Director of Patient Experience and Corporate Office Manager, 21st Century Rehab
Member of the Allocations Committee and Board of Directors, United Way of Story County