Helping James and JoAnn Stay Independent
For more than 60 years, James Summers dedicated his life to service. A retired truck driver and longtime volunteer firefighter, James has spent decades helping others. He even served in the Korean War, enlisting in the Air Force in 1951 as an assistant flight chief in San Antonio. Though his time in the military was cut short due to an injury, his commitment to his community never wavered. Now, at 92 years old, James is still active, working the phones and radio at his local fire department in Warsaw, Missouri.
James and his wife, JoAnn, have lived in Warsaw since 1990 and have been married for an incredible 72 years. At 90, JoAnn has faced health challenges that have left her weaker, and neither of them is able to drive anymore. While they still own a car, they must rely on friends or family to drive it for them. Recently, James got a scooter so he can make the 10-minute ride up the drive to check the mail and get to the fire station.
But for longer and frequent trips—like his medical appointments—he needs more than just a scooter. Twice a week, every week, James spends three hours at a clinic in a neighboring town 40 miles away. When he has an appointment at the VA clinic in Columbia, MO, a two-hour drive away, he has to leave three hours early for an appointment that often lasts less than an hour. It would be an incredible hardship for his family, who all live over an hour away in the opposite directions from his appointments, to take that much time off from work to drive him to every appointment. The logistics and time commitment would make it nearly impossible for them to manage every trip.
That’s where New Growth Transit comes in.
"I think it’s great," James says about the service.
New Growth Transit ensures that James can get to his critical medical appointments without burdening his family. It allows him to maintain his independence and access the care he needs, all while staying in the community he loves.
James spent a lifetime answering the call to help others. Now, with the support of New Growth Transit, he’s able to continue living his life on his own terms.
Help Us Give Another Million Miles in Rides!
New Growth Transit depends on volunteers and donations to continue serving people like James and JoAnn.
To learn more about becoming a volunteer driver or donate to support the reimbursements for those who so generously donate their time.