How to Send Messages to Inmates

You can use your phone or computer to send emails, letters, and photos to an inmate. Messages are sent electronically to inmate tablets or kiosks at the facility. If you would like to send a message, start by searching for an inmate at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility is to send photos and postcards. It only takes a few minutes to send photos from your phone and it makes a huge difference. You can also mail postcards with words of support and inspiration, or design your own postcard for special moments like birthdays and holidays.

Important! Be sure not to send any explicit photos or they may not be approved by the facility. You can also use a photo printing app like Penmate to make sure your photos are printed at the correct size (4x6 or 3x5) and are mailed according to the rules and regulations of Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility

1. How long does it take to deliver a message?

   If you're sending an email message your letter is usually delivered within 24-48 hours. For messages sent via mail you should expect delivery within 3-7 days. All messages will need be approved by Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility?

   You can send a message free using your phone or mail a message via USPS for the price of a $0.60 stamp and envelope. You can also purchase credits or e-stamps from services starting at $1.99.

3. What services can I use to contact an inmate at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility?

   Penmate

   You can use Penmate to send letters and photos to an inmate from your phone. It's an easy way to stay in touch during your loved one's incarceration. Use the inmate locator to find an inmate's location and contact information, then you can send messages within a few minutes.

   Securus messaging

   Securus may be another option for communicating with an inmate at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility. You can create a friends and family account and purchase credits to send messages. All messages will be reviewed and must be approved by the facility.

   JPay

   Some county jails and state prisons may support sending messages with JPay. You must register an account with the system, find your loved one, and purchase stamps to send messages. For some locations you can also attach photos.

   Smart Jail Mail

   You may also check if Smart Jail Mail is available at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility. Smart Jail Mail is operated by Smart Communications and has contracted with some state and county jails. After purchasing credits, your messages and photos are sent to the facility, printed out, and then handed out to your loved one.

4. What is the mailing address of Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility
   1727 Bluewater Hwy
   Ionia, MI 48846
   Phone: (616) 527-2510

5. What are the visiting hours at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility vary by housing unit and security level. Generally, visits are scheduled on weekends and holidays, with some facilities offering weekday visits. Contact the facility directly at (616) 527-2510 or check their website for the current visiting schedule. Visits typically last 30-60 minutes and must be scheduled in advance.

6. What items are prohibited when sending mail to Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility?

   Prohibited items typically include: cash, personal checks, stamps, stickers, glitter, glue, tape, staples, paperclips, polaroid photos, musical or blank greeting cards, hardcover books, magazines with staples, and any items containing metal or electronics. Only send letters on plain white paper with blue or black ink. Photos must be printed on regular photo paper (no Polaroids). Always check with Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility through several methods: 1) Online using JPay, Access Corrections, or the facility's approved vendor, 2) Money orders mailed directly to the facility with the inmate's name and ID number, 3) Kiosks located in the facility lobby, or 4) Over the phone using a credit or debit card. Fees vary by method, typically ranging from $2.95 to $11.95 per transaction.

8. Can I schedule a video visit with an inmate at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility, video visits may be available through services like Penmate, Securus Video Connect, GTL, or ICSolutions. Video visits typically cost $10-20 for 20-30 minutes and must be scheduled in advance. You'll need a computer or smartphone with a camera and reliable internet connection. Contact the facility for their specific video visitation policies and approved vendors.

9. What identification do I need to visit an inmate at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility?

   All visitors must present valid government-issued photo identification such as a driver's license, state ID, passport, or military ID. Minors must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can provide the minor's birth certificate. Some facilities require visitors to be on the inmate's approved visitation list, which may require a background check. Contact Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility for specific ID requirements and visitor approval procedures.

10. How can I find out an inmate's release date?

    To find an inmate's release date at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility, you can: 1) Use the online inmate search tool if available, 2) Call the facility's records department, 3) Contact the inmate's case manager or counselor, or 4) Have the inmate provide this information during a call or visit. For privacy reasons, some facilities only release this information to immediate family members.

Programs & Services

The multifaceted approach to rehabilitation at Bellamy Creek Facility reflects a comprehensive understanding that successful reintegration requires addressing diverse individual needs through varied pathways. Rather than offering isolated interventions, the facility typically integrates educational advancement, vocational skill development, and therapeutic support into a cohesive framework designed to foster personal growth and community readiness. This holistic philosophy recognizes that meaningful change often emerges through sustained engagement across multiple domains of human development.

Educational opportunities form a cornerstone of the facility’s comprehensive programming, with literacy programs serving individuals at various skill levels while education programs may offer pathways toward academic advancement. The vocational education component typically encompasses practical training in trades and technical skills that align with regional employment demands. These educational initiatives often emphasize both foundational learning and specialized skill acquisition, recognizing that individuals arrive with diverse educational backgrounds and career aspirations.

Support services complement the educational framework through targeted interventions designed to address reentry challenges and personal development needs. The prisoner reentry initiative typically focuses on practical preparation for community transition, addressing housing, employment, and social support networks. Also available may be landscaping opportunities that provide both vocational training and therapeutic benefits through outdoor work experiences. These comprehensive support mechanisms often work synergistically with educational programming to create multiple reinforcing pathways toward successful community reintegration and personal transformation.

Daily Life & Visitation

The sound of morning announcements echoing through housing units signals the beginning of another structured day for individuals at Bellamy Creek Correctional Facility. Currently, residents follow a regimented schedule that typically begins with early morning counts and continues to emphasize routine throughout each day. Generally, individuals wake before dawn for the established of several daily counts, followed by personal hygiene time and preparation for breakfast. The facility continues to maintain consistent meal times, with individuals moving through dining areas in organized groups based on their housing assignments.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of multi-person cells or dormitory-style housing units, where individuals share space with one or more roommates. Each person usually receives basic furnishings including a bed, small storage area, and limited space for approved personal items. Also, residents may access commissary services periodically to purchase additional food items, hygiene products, and other approved goods using funds from their institutional accounts. However, the amount of personal property individuals can maintain remains restricted, with regular inspections ensuring compliance with facility regulations.

Programming schedules offer various structured activities throughout the week, including educational classes, vocational training opportunities, and recreational periods. Many individuals participate in work assignments within the facility, which may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or clerical work that helps maintain daily operations. Also, the facility typically provides library access, religious services, and organized recreational activities during designated times. However, family connections remain vital to residents’ well-being, with visitation opportunities generally available on scheduled days and communication through monitored phone calls and written correspondence helping individuals maintain important relationships with loved ones on the outside.