A grant from the Patterson Family Foundation will provide business assitance to farmers in Kansas and western Missouri and supporting the mission of the Heartland Food Business Coalition.

Today we celebrate the West Central Early Childhood Education Action Plan—seven strategies to strengthen child care in Cedar, Henry, Polk, and St. Clair counties, with five moving into action in early 2026.

Tom, a volunteer driver from Vernon County, will tell you he just likes people and respects everyone he meets. Read why Tom chooses to volunteer as a driver and help his neighbors.

Despite reduced state support in 2025, New Growth Transit's delivered a rural transportation solution. Volunteer drivers delivered over a half million miles of rides ensuring residents could reach lifesaving medical care, employment, grocery stores, recovery court, and other essential destinations.

When families can’t find childcare, everything else starts to unravel—jobs, businesses, even small-town stability. In Cedar, Henry, Polk, and St. Clair counties, parents, providers, and employers are coming together to change that by building a shared framework for real, local childcare solutions.

Rather than just a traditional annual report to look at 2025, this calendar highlights businesses and volunteer drivers from communities across our region— Bolivar, Butler, Clinton, Collins, Nevada, Rich Hill, Stockton, and Warsaw. You might see someone you know!

Shaunna and Jerry Wood turned their love for vintage charm and community connection into Vinta-lit-ious, a one-of-a-kind store in Camdenton that’s part bookstore, boutique, and gathering place. But to bring the vision to life required a business plan and access to capital.

New Growth is looking for two passionate, community-minded individuals to join our team! Both positions offer the chance to make a real impact in rural Missouri while enjoying a four-day work week and great benefits.

When community meetings kept circling back to one problem—transportation—Milo Kelly (pictured at right of volunteer driver Jackie) decided to do something about it. What began as a few willing drivers grew into a partnership with New Growth Transit, proving how local initiative can set real change in motion.

For many veterans in rural Missouri, getting to medical appointments means traveling long distances to reach specialized care at VA hospitals in urban areas. Volunteer drivers like Rowann Bastow make those miles possible through New Growth Transit—turning every ride into a gesture of gratitude and connection.

After five years of dreaming, Tammy Cramer took the leap and opened Blended Blessings, a pineapple whip food trailer bringing a taste of sunshine to Bolivar. With guidance from the New Growth Women’s Business Center, she turned hesitation into confidence—and a sweet idea into a thriving local business.

From parents and providers to employers and lawmakers, the call for child care solutions is growing louder. A recent forum hosted by New Growth and Kids Win Missouri put the issue front and center for families and communities across west central Missouri.