Lifeline for Legally Blind Rural Residents
Michael Hopper, a legally blind resident of Polk County, first learned of New Growth Transit from the Community Outreach Ministries in Bolivar, Missouri and has experienced a transformative change in his life thanks to the transportation option now available because of New Growth Transit.
Michael, an active advocate and member of the National Federation of the Blind faced the formidable challenge of relying on Greyhound busses to travel to events like the annual 5-day 50 Mile White Cane Awareness Walk-a-thon in St Charles, Missouri. He recounts nightmare scenarios of being dropped off at closed bus stations or in unexpected unfamiliar places, situations that are not just inconvenient but genuinely dangerous for someone who is blind.
“It's not like I can just walk to a gas station or some place else if something goes wrong,” Michael explains. The unpredictability and danger of these experiences made it difficult for him to attend events and stay connected with his community. For someone with a visual impairment, these situations are more than just an inconvenience—they're a barrier to living independently.
New Growth Transit has changed that for Michael. It’s given him a newfound sense of freedom and safety. No longer does he have to worry about the dangers of unreliable transportation or the burden of asking family members, who have their own busy lives, for rides. Instead, he can now confidently plan to attend important events without anxiety that used to accompany such trips.
He really appreciates the connections others might take for granted, like rides New Growth Transit provides to the store or doctor's office which when you live in rural areas can be the next town over or in neighboring metro areas like Springfield or Kansas City, but also he's thankful for for that time he was able to reach his family who live over 50 miles away when they needed his help for a few days.
Michael is particularly excited about sharing the word about New Growth Transit as a service in the area to possibly help more people like him attend an upcoming Blind and Low Vision Adventure Day on September 21, 2024, organized by the National Federation of the Blind Springfield Missouri Chapter, the Freedom Park, and the Missouri Department of Conservation.
"For someone who is blind, attending an event like this, can be utterly life-changing," Michael said. Meeting others who are coping with similar struggles provides not only much needed support but also a sense of belonging and community.
For Michael, and many others like him, New Growth Transit is more than just a ride—it’s a lifeline.
It’s about reclaiming independence, connecting with others, and living a full and engaged life. In rural communities, where transportation options are extremely limited, services like New Growth Transit are crucial. They don’t just provide rides; they open doors to opportunities, relationships, and experiences that would otherwise be out of reach. By connecting communities and offering safe, reliable transportation to those who can’t drive themselves, New Growth Transit plays a vital role in improving the quality of life for many rural residents.
Michael’s story is just one example of how this service is making a real, tangible difference in people’s lives.
But we can’t provide this sustainable service without Volunteer Drivers!
If you can help, Volunteer Drivers get to:
· Choose when they are available
· Choose where they are willing to go
· Not need a special license
· Be reimbursed $0.67 for every mile they drive
If you’d like to consider being a volunteer driver, give us a call - 417-283-7991