In 2024, our volunteer drivers gave more than just rides—they gave over 1 million miles of connection, care, and community. Let’s give a cheer (and maybe a honk!) for the top drivers who logged the most miles and delivered the most smiles. Plus, click through to more stories of why they drive!

Jane’s shop looked like a success—steady sales, happy customers, and a growing reputation. But when a big opportunity came along, the quiet lack of financial preparedness and early guidance didn’t seem to hold her back—only she had no idea that it did.

This long-awaited partnership expands access to essential healthcare for rural residents who often face long distances and limited or no public transportation options.

Leaders in Cedar, Henry, Polk, and St. Clair counties are using recent survey results to guide a regional child care action plan. With affordability and availability as key focus areas, they’re exploring innovative solutions like a Community Child Care Exchange and shared services to better support families and providers.

In Henry County, access to transportation can be the difference between isolation and independence. Thanks to New Growth Transit, riders like Yvette and Norma are able to get where they need to go—safely, affordably, and with dignity.

Turning your passion for growing food into a business? With mentorship and apprenticeship opportunities available through New Growth and its partners, beginning farmers can get hands-on experience, avoid common missteps, and grow with confidence—on their own schedule and terms.

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.