MEET OUR GREETERS

We are here to assist you with your move to the South Georgia area by providing you with helpful resources to make your transition easier. We want everyone to feel welcome here and our greeters play a vital role in connecting newcomers with the community. 

Patti Minton

Co-Owner / Valdosta & Tifton Greeter

“In 1994, I was approached about co-running, what was then the Valdosta Greeting Service. For 28 years, I have had the privilege and honor of welcoming the newcomers arriving in the South Georgia area. Many times, when a newcomer moves, they are ecstatic about their new adventure, but this isn’t always the case. This service became a ministry to me in helping the new families especially those in desperate need either due to health, unemployment, or lack of support in their new transition.  Often, we have recruited the different communities to assist with these needs and the results have always been very humbling with their response.

My favorite part of Greeting newcomers is providing them the resources they need in getting established in their new community and opening the door to the new and exciting things in the area. Most importantly helping them to make this home for however long they are here.”

Karen Reissiger

Co-Owner / Valdosta & Tifton Greeter

“I have been welcoming new families to the area since 1994.  I really enjoy helping others and always look forward to seeing what I can do to help new people feel at home in their new community.

My favorite part about greeting is getting to know the new families and assisting them in getting settled.  I also like to connect new families that have kids to meet someone that may have some of the same interests as their family does.

I have had the opportunity to meet people from all over the world.  It doesn’t matter what nationality, race, or religion, when you get to a new area, almost everyone has the same needs.  I hope everyone I have met feels welcomed to South Georgia.”

Ann Pittman

Valdosta Greeter

“I have been greeting newcomers since 2017 and I truly love meeting people and making new friendships!”

Dawn Brown

Thomasville & Valdosta Greeter

“I’ve been a greeter since 2019. My favorite part of greeting is the newcomer’s surprise at receiving a welcome gift.  I love getting to know these families who are new to town, and being helpful in finding fun things to do!”

Kaye Hunt

Valdosta Greeter

“I’ve greeted since I retired from teaching in 2012. I love meeting new people and making new friendships.  Helping others is something I find very enjoyable.”

Nina Renfroe

Hahira Greeter

“I’ve been greeting since 2019. This is the first area that I have moved to that has a welcoming company. I like meeting new people and help answer any questions about the area. There is a large military presence in this area due the Moody Airforce Base. As a former soldier in the Army, I know how hard it is to pick up and move every 3 years. I enjoy helping in any way that I can to make relocating easier. ” 

Sara McArthur

Valdosta Greeter

“I have been greeting since 2006. My friend, Mary Alice Griffin, asked me to interview as we had been greeting for First Baptist Church Valdosta and had gotten used to meeting people.

I love meeting  the new folks who move to Valdosta and Lowndes County.  I especially like encouraging them to get out and see the area.   If they have teens I want to encourage them to make sure the kids get involved in  sports, drama, band, chorus, or JROTC, etc.  to find a good group of friends.  Scouting and church groups are great ways to make new friends too.  We certainly are blessed with a wide variety of places to eat and things to do.”

Zellna Shaw

Lakeland Greeter

“Been a greeter since 2006 or 2007.  (Long time!) I love meeting all the new people moving into our area and being able to help them navigate through the “getting settled in” process!  Well…just love visiting and talking to them about their new home, inviting them to enjoy the adventures we offer and inviting them to worship with us. “I have had some great, some funny and some “not so funny” experiences!  Wouldn’t  trade a minute of it – best job I’ve ever had!!!