Meet Carol Williams | Executive Director, Interval House & Founder, International Institute Against Violence

We had the good fortune of connecting with Carol Williams and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carol, what matters most to you?

Having the opportunity to do whatever we can to help people who turn to us in need.

One of Interval House’s core values is to do whatever it takes to make things possible for our clients. We always try to think outside the box. We fight for what we believe in. We believe that anything and everything is possible. We have never been known to play it safe, and I know all of our staff take pride in the fact that we are willing to take risks. We are not afraid to challenge the norm and to do whatever it takes, especially if it means that we have a chance to help others. Knowing no boundaries, never giving up, and believing in what we’re doing – with positivity, loyalty and love. These are the values and principles that matter most to us.

What should our readers know about your business?

Interval House is a nonprofit that began in 1979, operating out of a tiny garage with a card table and a telephone, and we have grown into one of the largest and most successful programs in our country working within the domestic violence and housing and homelessness fields. Today, we operate a full continuum of six confidential emergency and transitional housing sites, scattered site rental assistance units, two comprehensive outreach centers, and 10 satellite offices in the highest risk communities of Los Angeles and Orange Counties. We also founded the International Institute Against Violence ®, which serves as a forum for dialogue and education on violence against women internationally. With our rich cultural diversity and my love of travel, it’s been so much fun to work with people from all over the world.

I believe we have been greatly successful because of our incredibly diverse, interesting and passionate staff. Interval House is unique as the nation’s first survivor-led domestic violence program. Over the years, I have had the great honor of working side-by-side with women and men who once came to Interval House as residents, all in life-threatening situations, and who are now among the most honored and respected leaders in our field. And their longevity at Interval House is truly unparalleled. If you were to ask any of our dedicated staff what keeps them here, I think they would say that it’s the adventures, risks, and challenges that are part of our daily work. We have the unique opportunity and privilege to help save and change lives, and we all feel extremely fortunate to be able to work with the most incredible and inspirational people from around the world. It is the most gratifying and rewarding work imaginable. We are and have been available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for the past 45 years, and we definitely do not consider our work a “9 to 5.”

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
My favorite restaurants are Nobu in Malibu and Ivy At The Shore in Santa Monica. In Long Beach, my favorite restaurants would be Nico’s in Naples and Nick’s in Belmont Shore. In Long Beach, I like to take people on boat rides around the Naples Canals, as well as take them to the Belmont Shore and the Peninsula neighborhoods. I often love to surprise friends from abroad – and even locals – by showing them this beautiful and often unknown jewel of a place. In Long Beach, I would never miss the Long Beach Antique Market, which is once a month. People come from all over California, and really from all over the world, and you can always find unique treasures there.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The staff and graduates of Interval House are, to me, the most inspirational and outstanding individuals I’ve ever met. They save thousands of lives and their own lives are like Academy Award-winning movies. If anyone could meet the staff and graduates of Interval House, who come from so many different countries and who represent such incredible stories of courage, strength and success after having endured incredible hardships, they will come away in awe of this incredible place.

Website: www.intervalhouse.org

Image Credits
Interval House