In the Quaker tradition, this man helps volunteers connect with prisoners

In the 19 years and seven months that Jim Marren spent behind bars following a conviction for marijuana distribution, he was shuffled from one federal penitentiary to another.

But for much of the time, one thing was consistent for Mr. Marren: He received regular visits from volunteers with the nonprofit Prisoner Visitation and Support (PVS). He recalls visitors Joe and Gene, among others, and their conversations about everything from books and music to current events and daily routines.

“I looked at these visitors as people who I could depend upon to give me a true view of the outside world,” Marren says. “They allowed me to feel as if I was a part of the outside world. They shared everything – family, highs and lows.”

Marren is one of countless thousands who have had a listening ear behind bars because of the Philadelphia-based PVS, which is marking a half-century of service. The nonprofit manages a force of volunteers scattered

From the Vietnam War eraIn demand‘A natural mentor and leader’Other groups with activities for volunteers