Blog
New Growth News

Introducing the New Growth Learning Hub
Struggling to keep up with social media or online marketing for your rural business or nonprofit? The New Growth Learning Hub offers bite-sized trainings, live support, and a welcoming online community to help you build confidence and get results—on your schedule.

A Volunteer Driver's Story from Polk County
One ride showed her just how isolated rural life can be. Read how driving became this driver's most meaningful ministry.

Volunteer Driver Model Earns Continued State Backing
We’re honored to receive $1.75 million in state support for rural transportation. Here’s how we’ll use it—and why your help is still needed.

USDA Ends Funding for Regional Food Business Centers
On July 15, the USDA announced plans to end funding for the 12 Regional Food Business Centers—including the Heartland Center. Yet, Heartland Center partners are dedicated to finding support to continue the important work.

From Blank Land to Elderberry Dreams
Attending the Farm to Fork Summit was a turning point for beginning elderberry farmer Julianne Hemphill. Through connections made there, she found the support, resources, and inspiration to start building Twilight Grove—her family’s future farm and rural business.

Supporting Local Food in the News
A letter from Congressman Mark Alford to the USDA made the Kansas City news—and so were some local organizations with ties to New Growth.

Is 70 Cents a Mile Enough? Let's Do the Math.
Let’s talk numbers: Does the mileage reimbursement actually cover the cost of driving?

August Training Opportunities for Child Care Providers
Two powerful training opportunities are coming to El Dorado Springs and Clinton this August for child care providers, educators, and anyone working with young children. Strengthen your skills, gain new tools, and grow your impact!

Stranded by a North Carolina Storm, Rescued by Rides in Missouri
When a historic flood in North Carolina forced Jonny Damico to leave everything behind, she found herself starting over in rural Missouri with no way to get to the daily care she needed. Thanks to New Growth Transit, what began as a ride to the doctor became a lifeline of support, connection, and newfound community.

New Growth to work with Child Care Leaders Fellows Program
Applications are now open for the 2025–2026 ECE Leader Fellows Program—a paid, yearlong opportunity for one parent and one child care provider from each community to grow their leadership and advocate for better child care access. Fellows from our area will receive $1,500 and work with New Growth.
A Rural Business with a Bigger Mission
Rebecca Price turned her passion for dogs into Dalmatia BnB—a thriving rural business with a big heart and a bigger mission. With support from New Growth, her work now reaches far beyond boarding and training to strengthen her entire community.

Child Care: Local Economic Impact
Who pays the cost when west central Missouri families are unable to find quality child care? A new Missouri study puts it into dollars and cents. A new west central Missouri team of community leaders is paying attention and taking action.