Update

There are things you can learn talking to longtime Prison Society volunteer director John Hargreaves that will surprise you. 

• He kayaks in Belize, runs in marathons (55 so far), and attends theater performances weekly.
• His job duties once included warning swimmers of approaching alligators.

But because John’s so modest, you’ll have to hear from others about the extraordinary impact he’s had on incarcerated people, their families, and the volunteers who help them as he transitions to his new part-time role as senior advisor. 

“John has been the heart, soul, and face of the Prison Society for decades in facilities across Pennsylvania,” said Claire Shubik-Richards, executive director of the Prison Society.

During his career at the Prison Society John has shepherded hundreds of volunteer prison monitors through the challenges and rewards of helping Pennsylvania’s incarcerated men and women and their families.

“There’s a lot of judgment and experience that you need as a volunteer and John had the ability to help us to figure out what the heck we were doing,” said Janet Irons, a longtime volunteer. “You can’t overestimate how important that is.”

In 1979, as a volunteer, John helped found the Prison Society’s Central Pennsylvania chapter. In 2007, the Prison Society hired him as director of volunteers. Three people will take over John’s responsibilities as he transitions into his new role.

“I’m grateful that he’s staying with us,” Claire said.

What attracted John in 1979 and still motivates him is the idea that “I could do such a meager amount of effort on behalf of someone who is incarcerated that would pay such big dividends.” 

John’s efforts are hardly meager. Most issues people ask for John's help with involve multiple phone calls and follow-ups. He has visited 85 Pennsylvania prisons, jails, and juvenile detention centers, plus attended countless gatherings for volunteers statewide. 

“He must have lived in his car,” Janet said.

“I’m just helping people out who can’t do it for themselves,” John said. “Helping people with home plans, with parole plans, being a conduit between families and someone incarcerated. We’re concerned about the welfare of people who are incarcerated and make sure they are not mistreated.” 

Volunteers agree John has a gift for guiding volunteers. He empowers them to find their own way while always being willing to help process the emotional and procedural challenges they encounter. 

“He’s even-handed. He’s a listener. His door was always open,” said Greg Dober, a longtime volunteer.

John’s low-key, friendly, and open personality also led to good relations with prison administrators.

“You feel comfortable talking to him. His approach is inviting,” said Warden Cheryl Steberger at the Lancaster County Prison. “He doesn’t just talk about the inmates. He talks about the staff as a whole. He wants to make sure we are all OK, that everybody would be their best.”

John believes volunteering carries its own rewards. Plus, there’s a sense of gratitude. “Somehow, we got lucky. The person that I visited in prison could have been me, so I want to do the best job I can do.” 

John carries that gratitude forward, continuing on as a senior advisor to the Prison Society and  honoring the Prison Society's work by including the Society in his will. As he eases up on Prison Society responsibilities, he will stay busy on boards of the Dauphin County Bail Fund and the Dauphin County Library System. He plans more kayaking trips and more time with his grandchildren.

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