A Volunteer Driver's Email

Rondle Dines

September 18, 2025

A Volunteer Driver’s Email That Touched Our Hearts

Last week, we received a heartfelt email exchange with one of our volunteer drivers. Though he didn’t want us to use his full name when sharing this, his words are too powerful not to share.

This is his email:

"To the staff and all the good people at New Growth Transit. I want to tell you guys how much I appreciate the opportunity that you have given me over the past two years. But to fully understand the depth of my gratitude, I feel I must share a part of my story with you.

I have serious challenges stemming from violent trauma that I received over 25 years ago. I suffered a traumatic brain injury that left me with a seizure disorder and severe PTSD. I was told that I would be unable to work and my career as are searcher lab technician was over. I was devastated. Eventually, I lost everything I had worked for so long.

Although I was easily granted disability benefits I could not stand not being able to work. I desperately tried to return to the workforce for years but I never held a job more than a few months before mental and physical challenges would cause me to miss too much time and I’d have to quit or be dismissed. These setbacks only worsened my feelings of worthlessness, and I eventually became even more withdrawn and isolated for weeks and even months at a time.

It wasn’t until I tried volunteer work driving for New Growth Transit that I finally found hope and purpose to push forward. The security and confidence of meeting people/strangers one on one in my own vehicle coupled with the gratitude of clients was amazing and the best medicine ever.

The fact that New Growth Transit let me pick the days I wanted to work set me up for success. The staff was always so kind and cheerful, and helpful when I hit a hitch. Never making me feel anything less than appreciated. Volunteering at NGT gave me back my sense of purpose and a reason to get out of bed. I felt whole as a person and productive. I feel you have given me my value as a member of society again."

And then in closing, the words that moved our entire team:

“I just really need you to know that you pulled me from a very dark and lonely place and I am eternity grateful. The importance of your mission at NGT could never be overstated. You guys and what you do is quite literally saving lives. I will be doing this work for as long as you will have me. Thank so so much.”

Thank YOU so so much! Our staff replied this with hearts full of gratitude:

“Your journey is a powerful reminder of why we do what we do. The fact that New Growth Transit could be a part of your healing and renewal is incredibly humbling, and it means the world to us. We see the impact you make in the lives of those you serve. Your presence, your story, and your commitment are truly invaluable.”

His story reminds us that volunteering doesn’t just help riders—it can transform the life of the driver too.

This could not have happened without your generous support. For those who donate or support the program, you made this happen. Together we are helping individuals in our rural communities in profound ways by simply providing a ride.

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If you'd like to learn more about becoming a volunteer driver, give us a call - 417-283-7991

Or if you can't drive, but want to support neighbors like this, any donation is welcomed and will go a long way to helping connect our community!