Nicole Ames, Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS# 2370119 (right) with her daughter Jocelyn Sunderland.
For Nicole Ames, giving back to those who have served our country is both a personal passion and a heartfelt mission. As a proud mother of a daughter who served in the military, Nicole understands the sacrifices made by veterans and their families. She’s dedicated to showing her gratitude through action.
Nicole, Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS# 2370119, joined MVSB in 2022 and works out of the Bank’s Rochester office. In addition to helping individuals and families achieve their homeownership goals, she devotes her time to volunteering with Vouchers for Veterans, a Rochester-based nonprofit that provides grocery vouchers to local veterans in Maine and New Hampshire.
Each September, Vouchers for Veterans sets up booths at participating summer farmers markets, where veterans can receive vouchers to purchase fresh, locally grown food. The winter series program offers vouchers from November through April. The initiative not only helps veterans access nutritious food, but also supports local farmers and strengthens community connections.
Through partnerships with farmers markets across New Hampshire and Maine, Vouchers for Veterans has provided thousands of nutritious meals to veterans. Beyond nourishment, the organization offers something equally meaningful: connection. At farmers markets, veterans find a safe place to talk with and heal alongside others who can uniquely understand them. These moments of camaraderie, especially among combat veterans, play an important role in their healing journey.
“Vouchers for Veterans is such an important organization because it gives back to those who have given so much,” said Nicole. “As the mother of a veteran, I’ve seen firsthand the strength, courage, and sacrifice that service members carry with them long after their time in uniform. What makes this program so special is that it isn’t about need — it’s a heartfelt thank you to anyone who has served. Being part of this program allows me to honor that service in a tangible way by helping provide nourishment, comfort, and a sense of community. It’s incredibly moving to see the gratitude from veterans and to witness how something as simple as a farmers market can become a place of healing and connection.”
Nicole also volunteers regularly at the local soup kitchen. Her commitment to service reflects her belief in the importance of compassion, community, and giving back, values she carries into her work every day at MVSB.
In her professional role, Nicole and the team at MVSB are proud to support veterans through VA-backed home loans, helping those who have served achieve their dream of homeownership with flexible options and personalized guidance.
To learn more about Vouchers for Veterans, visit vouchersforveterans.org.
