A strong community is built through the ways we care for one another. Sometimes, that means celebrating a local artist or visiting a favorite neighborhood business. Other times, it means standing behind an organization whose work offers safety and support when someone needs it most. 

For our team at Audiology and Hearing Aid Associates, Shelter from the Storm of Union County is one of those organizations. 

Through our Love Local series, we share the people and places that matter to us and our patients in La Grande and Baker City. This time, we are using the spotlight as an opportunity to recognize a nonprofit with a meaningful mission and an annual gathering that our team always appreciates: the Soup Supper! 

Supporting Safety, Choice, and Healing 

Shelter from the Storm has served Union County since 1979. The organization provides confidential advocacy and emergency shelter for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking. Its services are free and available to anyone impacted by violence. 

Its approach centers on the person seeking support, and its advocates offer emotional support, help navigating legal or medical systems, and connections to local resources. 

We believe in Shelter from the Storm’s mission of supporting and empowering survivors as they rebuild their lives and begin their healing journeys. 

That commitment matters because everyone deserves to be treated with dignity. Having somewhere to turn and access to support that respects personal decisions can mean so much, and we are grateful that this organization carries out that work in our community. 

A Team Favorite: The Annual Soup Supper 

One of our favorite ways to rally around Shelter from the Storm is its annual Soup Supper. 

There is something especially welcoming about gathering over a bowl of soup. You have an opportunity to spend time with neighbors, catch up with familiar faces, and share a meal with people who have come together for a common purpose. 

A ticket includes a beautiful handmade bowl and some of the tastiest soup our team has enjoyed. The bowl is a lovely part of the experience and is something you can take home and use long after the evening ends! 

For us, the combination of a shared meal, handmade creativity, and community purpose makes the Soup Supper particularly special. 

Making Space for Remembrance 

Alongside the food and conversation, the evening also holds a deeper meaning: The Soup Supper honors survivors and remembers those our community has lost to acts of domestic violence. 

Coming together creates space to acknowledge experiences that can be difficult to talk about, and it offers an opportunity to reflect on the lives affected by violence and recognize why continued support for survivors matters. 

We truly value being part of an evening that holds both connection and remembrance; there is room to appreciate the meal and the company while remaining mindful of the purpose that brings everyone together. 

Community Collaboration That Matters 

Community education, prevention, and partnership are key parts of Shelter from the Storm’s work. Supporting survivors also means working toward a community where violence is prevented and people can seek help without judgment. 

At Audiology and Hearing Aid Associates, we value that spirit of collaboration. We believe that meaningful community work thrives when people come together, bringing their unique skills, experiences, and resources to make a difference in ways that reflect their individual strengths. 

Our clinic serves patients in both Baker City and La Grande, and we know that caring about our region extends beyond the walls of our offices. Highlighting Shelter from the Storm is one way we can help more people become familiar with its work. 

Find Your Own Way to Offer Support 

If you would like to learn more, visit Shelter from the Storm of Union County's website. You can explore its services, find donation information, and check for updates about events and opportunities to get involved. Whether you know the organization well or are hearing about it for the first time, we invite you to learn more and keep up to date with Shelter from the Storm’s mission and work. 

To everyone at Shelter from the Storm, thank you for your dedication to survivors and to our community. We are proud to shine our Love Local spotlight on your work and grateful for opportunities to stand alongside you.