It Opened My Eyes: Why Karen Volunteers

Some people volunteer because they want to stay busy.

Some volunteer because they want to give back.

For Karen Schlup, a volunteer driver from Cedar County, it turns out the answer is both.

After spending 29 years working indirect care for adults with developmental disabilities, Karen retired expecting life to slow down. Instead, she found herself looking for something meaningful to do during the day while her husband slept after working night shifts.

Becoming a volunteer driver with New Growth Transit seemed like a good fit.

It gave her a reason to get out of the house, a little extra room in the family budget, and the opportunity to meet new people. But what she didn't expect was how much the experience would change the way she sees her own community.

"I feel like I see things different," Karen says. "I worked in healthcare for a long time, but it just makes you realize how many people really need help."

Until you begin driving people to medical appointments, it's easy to assume transportation is simply about getting from one place to another.

Karen now knows it's much more than that.

Many of the people she drives no longer have a vehicle. Others have vision loss or health conditions that make driving impossible. Some live alone. For many, a dependable ride isn't a convenience—it's what makes it possible to receive medical care, maintain their health, and continue living independently.

"It's really opened my eyes up," she says. "It makes you realize how lucky we have it."

In rural Missouri, other modes of public transportation are limited.

The fixed routes and schedules of rural bus transportation can mean riders spend an entire day traveling to and from an appointment that might otherwise require only an hour or two of travel. Karen remembers one rider describing exactly that experience. Instead of returning home shortly after her appointment, the trip became an all-day journey as the bus continued picking up and dropping off passengers along its route.

Volunteer driver transportation is different.

How Volunteer Drivers Make a Difference

Drivers provide door-to-door service, taking riders directly from home to their destination and back again. Appointments can often be scheduled on the days and at the times people actually need them, rather than only when a fixed route is operating. That means less waiting, less fatigue, and less stress, especially for people who may already be dealing with illness, limited mobility, or vision loss. For many riders, it also means they can spend more time recovering at home instead of spending hours on the road.

For many riders, it can make the difference between keeping an appointment and putting it off.

The rides also offer something less visible but just as important.

Conversation.

Karen says one of her favorite parts of volunteering is simply visiting with people. Sometimes a rider shares stories about their family. Sometimes they talk about their military service or the years they spent driving trucks across the country. Sometimes they're just grateful to have someone to talk with for a little while.

"I don't care," Karen says with a smile. "I'll listen."

One rider told her after their first trip together, "I like you. I want to be friends with you."

It's a small moment, but one Karen hasn't forgotten.

She also remembers driving a 100-year-old veteran who had recently returned from an Honor Flight. During the drive, he shared stories from his life, stories that might otherwise have gone unheard.

Perhaps the biggest surprise for Karen has been how thankful people are.

That gratitude reminds her that something as ordinary as a ride can have an extraordinary impact.

For anyone wondering if becoming a volunteer driver is right for them, Karen has simple advice.

"It doesn't hurt to try it."

She knows not every ride will be the same. Some passengers are quiet. Others have stories they've been waiting to tell. Many simply appreciate having someone they can count on.

When asked why this work matters, her answer is simple.

"It's helping people."

Sometimes the most important work doesn't require a speech or a spotlight.

Sometimes it just requires someone willing to knock on a door, offer a warm smile, and say, "Let's get you where you need to go."

For Karen, that's reason enough to keep saying yes to the next ride.

Become a Volunteer Driver

New Growth Transit is always looking for caring people who want to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors. Volunteer drivers receive mileage reimbursement and choose the rides that fit their schedules.

If you're looking for a meaningful way to serve your community while helping rural residents access the healthcare and services they need, we'd love to visit with you.

Call New Growth Transit at 417-283-7991 or learn more at newgrowthmo.org/transit#volunteer-drivers

Can't be a driver but still want to help?

Every donation makes a difference! Donate online or email us to explore a funding partnership.

Together, we’re helping rural neighbors stay connected, one mile at a time.