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.

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.

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.

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

Helen Crowder drove more than 44,000 miles last year helping neighbors get where they needed to go. Congratulated by the Lieutenant Governor and honored at the Missouri State Capitol for her volunteer service, her story shows how a ride makes big difference.

Twice each year, New Growth Transit has volunteer drivers to stop in for program updates and a vehicle safety inspection. These gatherings are also a chance to connect face-to-face, share appreciation for the miles our drivers provide, and catch up with the New Growth Transit team.

For Thelma Warner, volunteer driving is about paying it forward. As she celebrates her 80th birthday this month, she reflects on how helping neighbors get where they need to go has given her purpose too.

In 2025, volunteer drivers went above and beyond — with the top 5 logging more than 138,000 miles combined to help neighbors get to medical care and back home safely. Meet a few of the drivers whose commitment keeps rural communities moving.

Getting to a medical appointment is only half the journey. Here’s why Donna Crouch makes sure her neighbors have a way back home — and why she says every mile is worth it.

After a career in law enforcement and still with a heart to serve, Kevin was looking for a meaningful way to keep helping people without the pressure. As a New Growth Transit volunteer driver, he discovered that reliability itself can be a powerful way to ease the burden for others.