Driving Hope in Henry County
In rural Missouri, getting from one place to another isn’t always simple—especially for residents who don’t drive or face mobility challenges. Public transportation is nearly nonexistent in many areas, and relying on friends or paid services can be expensive, inconsistent, or even out of reach.
That’s where New Growth Transit comes in.
For Henry County riders like Yvette in Clinton and Norma near Deepwater, having access to free, dependable rides has made all the difference. Their stories show how vital transportation is in rural areas,where options are limited and distances are long.
But it’s about more than getting to medical appointments—it’s about easing the burden on friends and family who would otherwise have to miss work or rearrange their lives to help. When transportation is available, it helps everyone—not just the rider, but the entire community.
“It Helps Me Out So Much” – Yvette’s Story
Yvette, a longtime Clinton resident, has lived with physical challenges since she was 19. While she’s able to walk, managing some things on her own or getting around town isn’t always easy—and affording a car just isn’t in the cards. That’s why New Growth Transit has become such an important part of her life.
“I can get around,” Yvette says, “but it’s hard. And I can’t just jump in a car when I need to go somewhere.”
Though family or friends might be able to help on weekends, Yvette’s medical appointments are during the week. She knows that relying on others often means asking them to miss work or rearrange their lives—and that’s not something she takes lightly. With New Growth Transit, she doesn’t have to. It gives her a dependable way to get to appointments and run errands without feeling like she’s overusing limited services or placing a burden on loved ones. Whether she’s heading to the doctor or riding across town to Walmart, Yvette says the service gives her both freedom and peace of mind.
“I really like it because it helps me out so much,” she says. “I know when I call, I can count on getting a ride. And the drivers are respectful and helpful.”
Over time, some of those drivers have become more than just friendly faces—they’ve become real friends. Through every mile and every conversation, they’ve built connections that go beyond the ride.
Yvette isn’t just grateful for herself. She’s thinking about others, too. “There are so many elderly and disabled people who need help getting places. I really hope New Growth Transit can stay around. It makes a huge difference for me, and for the people who care about me.”
“A Lifeline for Me” – Norma’s Story
Norma has called rural Missouri home her entire life. Living near Deepwater, she treasures the quiet, the community, and the place she’s always belonged. Even after a stroke many years ago left her needing a walker, one thing remained unchanged—her love for her home.
“I’ve got no business driving, ”Norma says with a chuckle, “but I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.”
That’s why New Growth Transit has become such a vital part of her life. “It’s a lifeline for me,” she says. “They pick me up right at my door with such kindness and courtesy. I feel safe with them—safer than I would with anyone else on the road these days. And I can count on them.”
Before New Growth Transit, getting around wasn’t just difficult—it was costly and limiting. A single round trip to Kansas City to visit her seriously ill son once cost her $120. And even then, the visit had to be cut short so the driver could return on schedule. Other services came with restrictions, too—only taking her to doctor’s appointments and sometimes the pharmacy, but only if planned well in advance.
Now, thanks to New Growth Transit, Norma’s rides offer so much more than transportation. She can group her errands together—visiting the doctor, picking up groceries, or even running by the bank. Whether it's to Clinton or another town nearby, she’s able to make the most of every trip.
“New Growth Transit has given me back my independence and peace of mind,” she says. “I may need a walker, but I’ve got places to go—and thanks to them, I still can.”
One Ride at a Time—And We Need Your Help in Henry County
Yvette and Norma’s stories are just two examples of the difference New Growth Transit makes every day. In 2024 alone, our volunteer drivers provided more than 1 million miles in free rides—proof that a volunteer driver network works to meet the unique transportation needs of rural Missouri.
But the need continues to grow.
Right now, we have funding available to provide rides for Henry County residents through June, and we’re actively seeking new partnerships to expand service in other counties. We’re also in urgent need of more Henry County volunteer drivers to fill requests—compassionate neighbors who want to give back while setting their own schedule and receiving mileage reimbursement.
You can help keep rural communities connected—one mile at a time.
Become a volunteer driver, partner with us to fund more rides, or reach out to learn more:
📞 Call: 417-283-7991
🌐 Visit: newgrowthtransit.org
✉️ Email: transportation@wcmcaa.org
Together, we can keep this lifeline rolling—for Norma, for Yvette, and for neighbors across west central Missouri.