Blog
New Growth News

Million Miles Making News
Our volunteer drivers' incredible milestone of one million miles of free rides in 2024 has been celebrated across multiple platforms, including a feature on KSHB Channel 41 News, an online story at KCTV 5, spotlight on KY3, and local coverage in Bolivar’s Herald-Free Press. This recognition highlights the transformative impact of rural transportation and the dedication of the volunteers who make it possible.
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High Tunnel Workshop at Millsap Farm
From building a high tunnel to touring different structures and learning innovative techniques from experts like Curtis Millsap and Jason Hirtz, the day was packed with practical knowledge, inspiring conversations, and a sense of true community.
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Child Care Webinar Series
Building on insights from the recent report, Solving Missouri's Child Care Puzzle, this webinar series advances the discussion and explores actionable shared service solutions for child care in Missouri.

Strong First Round for Business Builder
The Heartland Regional Food Business Center received an incredible 479 applications for the first round of our Business Builder grant, aimed at helping small and midsize food and farm businesses expand and thrive. This strong response highlights the demand for resources that support local food entrepreneurs across our five-state region!
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1 Million Mile Milestone for New Growth Transit!
New Growth Transit celebrates a remarkable milestone: over 1 million miles of free rides provided to rural Missourians in 2024—equivalent to circling the globe 40 times. This achievement underscores the vital role of our volunteer drivers in connecting residents to essential services.
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One Person, One Ride, a Downpour of Impact
Veterans in rural areas often face barriers to the care they need, especially when transportation is scarce. One of our staff shares the story of Jim, a Vietnam veteran from Cedar County, and the friendship that helped him access critical medical care and the reminder that one act of kindness can break the isolation many veterans feel. Read how a ride can change a veteran’s life.

A Small-Town Transportation Solution
In the small town of Butler in Bates County Missouri, an extraordinary volunteer-run “taxi” service, known as BACO, is making a big impact on local mobility. Here’s a closer look at how this local organization and New Growth Transit complement each other.

Solving Missouri's Child Care Puzzle Report
With nearly half of Missouri’s young children living in "child care deserts," a new report from the New Growth Women’s Business Center and University of Missouri Extension, proposes a business-oriented solution: shared services or central office support for small and home-based child care providers.

New Generator Powers a Vision of Community Resilience
The Liston Center, a community hub in El Dorado Springs and home to New Growth offices, has installed a generator to keep essential services running during power outages. Funded by a USDA grant and a trivia night fundraiser, future events will continue to support the plan to build a community-serving commercial kitchen.

Business Dream Takes Flight with a New Growth Microloan
After encountering a financial hurdle, a $10,000 microloan from New Growth gave Levi from Amsterdam, Missouri, the boost he needed to purchase the equipment to start his drone business and succeed!

Touching Story from our Team
One of our staff members who doesn't typically take calls from riders received a touching request that really highlighted why we do what we do at New Growth Transit.

Shared Love for Helping Others
Meet Don and Lori, a husband and wife from Cedar County who have found a new passion in their retirement: volunteering as drivers for New Growth Transit.