ATLANTA--Villa International, which serves visiting international researchers who study at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and at Emory University, is seeking volunteers to serve in a variety of ways.

Villa International began in 1967 in response to the suicide death of an international researcher. Sponsored by six different Christian denominations including the Archdiocese of Atlanta, Villa is a nonprofit international ministry of hospitality. Since its founding, it has hosted more than 17,000 persons from 150 nations who come to study primarily at the CDC or at the Emory University School of Public Health and Global Health Action.

Located at 1749 Clifton Road, Villa International seeks to offer support to persons who are studying on limited funds or new to the area through friendship, evangelism, hospitality, medical compassion and peacemaking.

Since the archdiocese joined in sponsoring Villa, residents from different faith persuasions have met, befriended and received Christian witness from members of the archdiocese.

Members of the archdiocese who currently serve on Villa’s board of directors include Dona Anderson, All Saints Church, Dunwoody, who serves as co-chair of the leadership development committee; Mickey Dobson and Deirdre Holler, parishioners of Corpus Christi Church, Stone Mountain, who co-chair the cultural and social committee; Joan Lucas of Holy Family Church, Marietta, who serves on the cultural and social committee; and Deacon Alfred Mitchell, vicar of deacons and a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Church, Decatur, who serves on the finance committee.

Terms will soon expire for Anderson, Dobson, Holler and Lucas. Three other Catholics who will soon join the board of directors are Mayfern Barron, Leslye Colvin and Charlie Russell.

Villa International is currently seeking volunteers in many different areas, including the board of directors. Volunteer opportunities within the Atlanta area include office and handyman help, transporting guests to worship and Sunday school, taking guests grocery shopping and serving on several committees. Volunteers are also needed outside of Atlanta to host showers for Villa needs and to bake cookies, as well as other volunteer possibilities. For information about volunteering, call (404) 633-6783.

ON BOARD -- At a recent Villa International board meeting, Rev. Harry F. Petersen, executive director, is shown with archdiocesan volunteers (l-r), standing, Mayfern Barron, Dona Anderson and Mickey Dobson and, seated, Joan Lucas and Deirdre Holler.