Running a child care program means making countless business decisions, but finding time to work on your business can be one of the biggest challenges of all. The new Child Care Business Accelerator helps Missouri child care owners and directors save time, strengthen their businesses, and focus on the work they love most—caring for children.

After retiring from a 29-year career in healthcare, she thought she'd seen the challenges people face. Then she became a volunteer driver for New Growth Transit and discovered an invisible reality across rural Missouri.

Though appropriations for Missouri's Volunteer Driver Network were reduced from last year, the state's newly approved FY2027 budget is investing in New Growth Transit, recognizing a transportation model that has served rural communities for six years. Yet, support is needed.

What if more of our children and grandchildren had the opportunity to build their futures close to the places they call home? As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, it's a chance to reflect on how investing in rural communities today can help make that future possible.

Living with low vision means Frankie can no longer drive himself where he needs to go. His story shows how a volunteer driver provides more than a ride—offering the support, flexibility, and connection that help make each trip possible.

Application for Harvest to Market grants up to $25,000 are now open through August for small farm and food business funding for local food entrepreneurs from rural Kansas and western Missouri. Submission deadline is by noon on August 31, 2026.

Running a child care program means balancing care for children with the daily demands of running a business. A new support program from the New Growth Women’s Business Center aims to help rural Missouri child care programs save time, strengthen operations, and connect with practical tools and resources.

Richard discovered that helping others through volunteer driving didn’t only help rural riders get where they needed to go. It also helped him find connection and healing.

Does the mileage reimbursement actual cover the cost of driving? See how the numbers add up, but also how the experience adds up to so much more.

Parents, child care providers, and healthcare professionals understand the challenges facing Missouri families better than anyone. Two statewide fellowship opportunities are now open to help those voices grow into leadership and advocacy.

After moving to Nevada, Missouri, and realizing she could no longer continue her hospice nursing career locally, Jill found herself searching for a new direction. Today, through her business, This or That Southern Cooking, she’s serving homemade meals and building community one lunch at a time.

Aetna Better Health of Missouri is helping drive access to care. Their support strengthens the network of volunteer drivers serving west central Missouri.