Meet the Missouri Volunteer Driver Network
On February 24, 2025, New Growth had the pleasure of welcoming our fellow Missouri Volunteer Driver Network partners to the Liston Center in El Dorado Springs, Missouri for a special site visit from the Missouri Department of Social Services.
This gathering was more than just a meeting—it was a celebration of the success that is connecting dedicated volunteer drivers to rural Missourians who need access to work, medical care, and essential services. It was a chance to not only showcase the incredible work volunteer drivers are doing, but just how far this volunteer driver network has come in such a short time!
Meet the Missouri Volunteer Driver Network Partners
The Missouri Volunteer Driver Network is a collaborative effort between community action agencies across the state, each running a volunteer driver program that reimburses drivers for miles while connecting riders to critical services. These programs are making a difference with very ride!
New Growth Transit
- New Growth Transit is affiliated with: West Central Missouri Community Action Agency (Appleton City, MO)
- Started: Fall 2020
- Counties Serving: 13
- Volunteer Drivers: 71
EZMO (Easy Mobility Options)
- EZMO is affiliated with: Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation (Hillsboro, MO)
- Started: May 2023
- Counties Serving: 2
- Volunteer Drivers: 47
CARS (Community Action Ride Service)
- CARS is affiliated with: Economic Security Corporation (Joplin, MO)
- Started: May 2024
- Counties Serving: 4
- Volunteer Drivers: 34
MOCA Transit
- MOCA Transit is affiliated with: Missouri Ozarks Community Action (Richland, MO)
- Started: August 2024
- Counties Serving: 8
- Volunteer Drivers: 18
These organizations work together to address the unique transportation challenges of rural Missouri, ensuring no one is left behind due to a lack of mobility.
Where We Serve
Our volunteer driver network covers multiple counties across Missouri’s rural regions, where public transportation is limited or non-existent. Our service area include these Missouri counties:
📍 New Growth Transit: Bates, Benton, Cass, Cedar, Dallas, Henry, Hickory, Morgan, Polk, St Clair, and Vernon
📍 EZMO: Franklin and Jefferson
📍 CARS: Barton, Jasper, Newton, and McDonald
📍 MOCA Transit: Camden, Crawford, Gasconade, Laclede, Maries, Miller, Phelps, and Pulaski
If you live in one of these counties and need transportation assistance or want to become a volunteer driver, we encourage you to reach out!
The Power of Volunteer Drivers
Volunteer drivers are the backbone of our transportation network, using their own vehicles to help neighbors reach critical destinations. No special driver’s license is required—just a valid driver’s license, Social Security card, and the minimum car insurance required by the state. To ensure safety and readiness, drivers also undergo a background check, receive training on the program, and have their vehicles inspected.
Volunteer drivers have peace of mind knowing they are never alone—they receive full support from transit staff every step of the way. Technology helps them manage ride details, track mileage, and stay organized, and if they ever have questions or need assistance, help is always just a phone call away.
Drivers set their own schedules and choose where they’re willing to drive, making it a flexible and rewarding way to volunteer. They receive mileage reimbursement (currently $0.67 -$0.70 per mile, paid weekly or twice a month), ensuring they aren’t paying out of pocket for the generosity of their time and fuel. While this reimbursement is not considered income, it helps offset car expenses they would have anyway,freeing up part of their budget for other needs.
Many volunteers start for the reimbursement but stay for the fulfillment of making a difference. Beyond covering miles, they build connections in their community, with many expressing that they love “having a reason to get out of the house.” More than just driving, they are providing a lifeline to those in need and strengthening their communities—one ride at a time.
Who Needs These Rides?
The need for volunteer driver programs is immense. Riders include:
- Seniors who no longer drive but live independently
- People with disabilities who cannot drive themselves
- Individuals recovering from injury or surgery
- Those without a car or a valid driver’s license
- Rural residents with limited or no public transportation options
Without these services, many Missourians would struggle to reach dialysis treatments, medical appointments,jobs, grocery stores, or even court-mandated services.
Types of Transportation Destinations
Volunteer driver programs bridge the transportation gap between rural communities and essential services. Riders depend on these programs for a variety of transportation needs, including:
Employment & Workforce Support
- Transportation to and from work
- Job interviews and workforce development programs
- Skills training and job certification courses
- Parental access to childcare drop/offs/pickups on the way
Healthcare & Medical Appointments
- Doctor visits, dental care, vision checkups
- Dialysis and other ongoing treatments
- Mental health counseling and therapy sessions
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Shopping & Community Services
- Grocery stores and food banks
- Pharmacy for prescriptions
- Banking, post offices, and other financial services
- Social services and government offices
Legal & Justice System Appointments
- Court hearings, including family and custody cases
- Legal aid services and attorney meetings
- Recovery court and probation-related appointments
With little to no public transportation in rural areas, these rides serve as a lifeline for individuals who would otherwise struggle to reach essential destinations—many of which require long trips to neighboring counties or urban areas.
Real Impact, Real Stories
These programs change lives—both for riders and drivers. We have so many more touching stories than is room to share in one place!
Dustin, a young man with autism from Polk County, now holds a steady job at Walmart thanks to New Growth Transit, which relieves his family from the burden of transporting him to every shift.
John, a 76-year-old in McDonald County, relies on CARS to get to dialysis in the next county three times a week. Before this service, he had to pay family members for transportation, but the costs became overwhelming, and he worried he might have to stop treatment altogether. Now, thanks to volunteer drivers, he can continue receiving the life-saving care he needs without the financial strain.
Tracy from Camden County used MOCA Transit to get to work, eventually saving enough money to buy a car. She’s now a volunteer driver herself, paying it forward.
Vicky of Jefferson County calls EZMO her lifeline. Before signing up, she was isolated and struggling. Now, she has access to her community and vital services, describing EZMO as “the family I never had.”
On the driver side, the impact is just as powerful.
Mike from Newton County initially relied on CARS for transportation to his medical treatments. The cost of gas would have been over $350 out of pocket. Now that he has recovered, he has become a volunteer driver himself, giving back to the program that once helped him.
Jeremi, a retired woman on Social Security in Cedar County, describes driving for New Growth Transit as “work without working!” The mileage reimbursement helps with her car expenses, freeing up money in her budget while keeping her active and engaged. "I love it. I love having a reason to get out and help people."
Ed, an EZMO driver in Franklin County, shared, “You meet amazing people and build relationships. It feels good to give back and see the difference you’re making every day.”
Why Volunteer?
Volunteer driver networks are a win-win for both drivers and riders:
✅ Flexible schedules – Drivers choose when and where they drive.
✅ Mileage reimbursement – Helps cover gas,maintenance, and wear and tear.
✅ A rewarding experience – Drivers build connections and give back to their communities.
✅ A critical service – Riders get to medical care, jobs,and other essentials.
Be Part of the Solution
Every mile matters. Every ride strengthens a community. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, donate, or help spread the word, you can make a difference.
👉 Volunteer as a driver: Set your own schedule and get reimbursed for mileage.
👉 Can’t drive but still want to help? Donate! Support those who generously give their time.
🚗 Learn more about the Missouri Volunteer Driver Network partners:
West Central Missouri Community Action Agency - New Growth Transit
Jefferson Franklin Community Action Corporation - EZMO
Economic Security Corporation - CARS
Missouri Ozarks Community Action - MOCA Transit
Together, we’re strengthening rural communities—one mile at a time.💙🚗
Pictured above L to R - Mary Mullins, MOCA Transit; Heather Howell, EZMO; Tasha Skouby, EZMO; Tammy Walker, CARS; Cavanaugh Studyvin, CARS; Taylor Miller, EZMO; Kenney Hutchison, New Growth Transit; Kelly Ast, New Growth Transit