Jessica Adamson, a Cedar County busy mom and graduate student, finds time to volunteer as a driver for New Growth Transit, helping people get to essential destinations. She loves the meaningful connections she makes on the road, proving that even a simple ride can have a big impact.

Reliable transportation is a critical need in rural Missouri, where many residents lack access to public transit for work, medical care, and essential errands. The Missouri Volunteer Driver Network operates across several counties in Missouri successfully and sustainably connecting individuals with volunteer drivers who generously give their time, using their own vehicles to provide life-changing rides that strengthen communities—one mile at a time.

They’ve called Benton County, MO home since 1990. James, a retired truck driver and volunteer firefighter with over 60 years of service, is a Korean War veteran. At 92, he’s still committed to his community, working the phones and radio at the local fire department but needs the help of New Growth Transit to reach his frequent medical appointments.

Kate, a volunteer driver, shares touching stories of how reliable transportation changes lives in rural communities. From cancer patients to working parents, her experiences show how a simple ride can bring independence, relief, and connection.

Michelle felt a little isolated after retiring and moving with her husband from the city to a rural area near Truman Lake in Benton County. Looking for a way to stay active and connected in her new community, becoming a volunteer driver for New Growth Transit turned out to be the perfect fit.

Betty, 85, relies on New Growth Transit to visit her husband, a Korean War veteran, at the Veterans Home in Warrensburg each week. With the help of her sister Phyllis and a caring volunteer driver, these weekly trips are not only a lifeline for Betty and Stanley but also a testament to the power of community.

Meet Dustin, a 24-year-old thriving at his job at Walmart, thanks to the reliable support of New Growth Transit. His story highlights how access to dependable transportation fosters independence, eases family burdens, and creates opportunities for individuals in rural communities.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.