A Rare Kind of Service

She didn’t wait for permission. She saw a need—and answered it.

After nine years of military service, eight more as a registered nurse, and now as a mom of two young kids—Megan Nolan could’ve called it good. She’d done her part. But that’s not how she’s wired.

When her rural community lost the vote to fund local childcare, Megan didn’t throw her hands up.

She rolled up her sleeves.

She used her own savings. Took out not one, but two loans. Bought a building in town. And started transforming it—by hand—into Grandma’s Care LLC, the only licensed before-and-after school program for miles.

No grants. No shortcuts. Just vision, guts, and a whole lot of love for the kids and families around her.

It’s easy to talk about service. Megan lives it.

That’s why she was voted the 2025 Spirit of Service winner out of 206 local nominees. With over 1,000 votes cast in her name, it’s clear: her community sees it too.

And get this—she’s naming rooms in the center after her grandmothers, honoring the wisdom of those who raised her. One will be the “Minnie Pearl Garden” after Grandma Pearl, known for her green thumb. Another is “Grandma Scilla’s Heart + Paper Trail”, honoring Grandma Priscilla’s love and creativity. And “Klassy Kitchen” will pay tribute to Grandma Klassy, a great cook who “gained her wings” a few years ago.

Every detail is intentional. Every square foot built to care for others.

This is why we created the Spirit of Service award. And this is what the CARE Movement is all about—Creating A Rare Experience through selfless service, deep connection, and unstoppable action.

Megan, thank you. You didn’t run from the storm—you faced it head-on. That’s what we call being the buffalo.

One person with the courage to care can change an entire community.

That’s the kind of rare experience the world needs more of.

Special thanks to Josh Spreiter, In the 608, and the team at Channel 3000 / News 3 Now for partnering with us to share Megan’s story and amplify her impact.