Information gathered from surveys for parents, employers, and providers, open until April 30, will be an important foundation to the community action plan to address child care options in Henry, St Clair, Cedar, and Polk counties.

New Growth Transit is providing free rides for Henry County residents through June, thanks to a $69,000 grant from Golden Valley Memorial Healthcare through the Henry County ToRCH program.

Starting a business is no small feat, especially when you're navigating it all on your own. For Samantha Richter, the New Growth Women’s Business Center provided the support and guidance she needed to find her footing and build Preventive Foot Care, LLC from the ground up.

Parents, employers, and child care providers in Cedar, Henry, Polk, and St. Clair counties—your voice matters! Please share your experiences by survey before April 30, 2025, to help build an action plan for better child care solutions in west central Missouri.

Due to current budget constraints, New Growth Transit has made changes to how we provide rides, and though continued support is needed, we are announcing a new partner for Medicaid-eligible rides.

For Melissa Ginther of Ruthie Mae Blooms, finding New Growth meant finding the connections, resources, and community support she needed to turn challenges into opportunities that cultivate long-term success.

Jessica Adamson, a Cedar County busy mom and graduate student, finds time to volunteer as a driver for New Growth Transit, helping people get to essential destinations. She loves the meaningful connections she makes on the road, proving that even a simple ride can have a big impact.

The 2025 Farm to Fork Summit and Expo was a huge success, bringing together over 170 people to celebrate and strengthen local food connections. See the listing of local contributors to the food value chain who attended and are helping build a resilient regional food system.

Choosing the right legal structure for your business is a crucial step that impacts everything from liability to growth potential. In a recent webinar, New Growth Women's Business Center presents expert information from the MU Entrepreneurship Legal Clinic to break down different business structures and walk us through the process of setting up an LLC in Missouri

Reliable transportation is a critical need in rural Missouri, where many residents lack access to public transit for work, medical care, and essential errands. The Missouri Volunteer Driver Network operates across several counties in Missouri successfully and sustainably connecting individuals with volunteer drivers who generously give their time, using their own vehicles to provide life-changing rides that strengthen communities—one mile at a time.

When Makeesha Munro and her partner started Root 54 Farm near Collins, Mo, they faced the challenges of learning mushroom cultivation and finding a market for their products. With support from New Growth, they gained mentorship, refined their process, and built connections that helped their farm thrive—now, Makeesha is sharing her knowledge at the Farm to Fork Summit on March 7, 2025

The Farm to Fork Summit isn’t just serving up knowledge—it’s serving up a farm-fresh meal that celebrates Missouri’s local food system. With ingredients sourced from numerous local farms and food producers, small food businesses, and representing over 9 rural communities, this year’s menu highlights the power of local food in strengthening rural economies while delivering a delicious experience for attendees.