Rides for Rural Growth
December is a month that evokes thoughts of family, celebration, and joy. People are rushing about, shopping for holiday gifts, and preparing meals. Many travel long distances for shopping, holiday parties, and family gatherings. For residents of rural Missouri, these miles are part of daily life.
When we talk about rural transit, it’s essential to highlight these miles—the miles from homes tucked in the woods, down winding backroads, to essential resources like employment, food access, and medical care. For many, just getting to work means driving 20 miles or more, one way.
The United States was hit hard by an economic recession in August of 2007. By December 2022, non-rural communities had not only regained lost jobs but had added new ones. Unfortunately, rural counties haven’t bounced back as well. In fact, 63% of rural counties have fewer jobs than they did before 2007. Of the counties experiencing long-term persistent poverty, 80% are rural.
Take our rider, Anna, for example. Anna is a single mother who struggles to make ends meet. She works at a local restaurant with fluctuating hours, and with a young child, she faces the added pressure of getting them to a reliable daycare center to retain her job.
Another rider, Brent, is a young adult who is Autistic. For people like Anna and Brent, finding reliable transportation to and from work in rural areas is even more challenging.
What’s the solution? A community of volunteers. The power of kindness creates a positive impact on individuals served, their families, and the community.
In 2024, our drivers have provided rides for rural Missourians that have totaled over one million miles. Not only does this help support our volunteer drivers through mileage reimbursement, but it also contributes to employment retention, economic growth, and the well-being of our communities. Providing rides for employment injects money into the local economy, helping to sustain hospitals, schools, resources, and local businesses. It also plays a role in reducing health disparities and reversing population decline.
If you or someone you know needs transportation for employment, please remember that we are more than just medical transportation.
If you have reliable transportation and want to help, submit a volunteer driver application, call us at 417-283-7991, or stop by the Liston Center at 508 N Main St in El Dorado Springs.
If you can't be a driver, but still want to be a part of driving impact, donations are welcomed. $20 reimburses nearly 30 miles of life changing transportation!
Together, we can close the gap, one ride at a time!