Aetna Better Health of Missouri is helping drive access to care. Their support strengthens the network of volunteer drivers serving west central Missouri.

Helen Crowder drove more than 44,000 miles last year helping neighbors get where they needed to go. Congratulated by the Lieutenant Governor and honored at the Missouri State Capitol for her volunteer service, her story shows how a ride makes big difference.

Employers across west central Missouri have a new opportunity to address one of the biggest workforce challenges: access to affordable, reliable child care.

Looking for meaningful work you can do from home? Start a home-based child care program with support through New Growth Women’s Business Center—and a $2,500 grant opportunity. Apply for free step-by-step support.

The Harvest to Market Grant for food and farm enterprises in rural Kansas and western Missouri will be announced soon. In the meantime, free coaching is available from Heartland Food Business Coalition partners to help prepare strong project proposals.

Clinton has a bright new business, and its story begins with a simple idea. With business planning support and a microloan from the New Growth Women’s Business Center, Kami McClendon turned that idea into Sun-Kissed Studios.

The Farm to Fork Champion Award recognizes individuals who strengthen food systems and regenerative agriculture through long-term leadership and action. In its first year, we honor Kyle Vickers for a lifetime of standing up for farmers, caring for the land, and helping move agriculture forward.

Twice each year, New Growth Transit has volunteer drivers to stop in for program updates and a vehicle safety inspection. These gatherings are also a chance to connect face-to-face, share appreciation for the miles our drivers provide, and catch up with the New Growth Transit team.

For Thelma Warner, volunteer driving is about paying it forward. As she celebrates her 80th birthday this month, she reflects on how helping neighbors get where they need to go has given her purpose too.

On Saturday, March 21, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. families from across the region are invited to gather in El Dorado Springs for the Kids Care Fair—a free, family-friendly event focused on one of the most urgent issues facing our communities: child care.

In 2025, volunteer drivers went above and beyond — with the top 5 logging more than 138,000 miles combined to help neighbors get to medical care and back home safely. Meet a few of the drivers whose commitment keeps rural communities moving.

Getting to a medical appointment is only half the journey. Here’s why Donna Crouch makes sure her neighbors have a way back home — and why she says every mile is worth it.