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 Catawba Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Catawba Correctional Center 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 Catawba Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Catawba Correctional Center

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 Catawba Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Catawba Correctional Center?

   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 Catawba Correctional Center?

   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 Catawba Correctional Center. 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 Catawba Correctional Center. 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 Catawba Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Catawba Correctional Center
   1347 Prison Camp Rd
   Newton, NC 28658
   Phone: (828) 466-5521

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: Closed
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
   • 2:30 – 4:30 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Catawba Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Catawba Correctional Center 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 (828) 466-5521 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 Catawba Correctional Center?

   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 Catawba Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Catawba Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Catawba Correctional Center 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 Catawba Correctional Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Catawba Correctional Center, 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 Catawba Correctional Center?

   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 Catawba Correctional Center 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 Catawba Correctional Center, 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

Personal growth becomes the cornerstone of daily life when inmates engage with comprehensive rehabilitation services designed to address individual needs and future goals. The facility typically emphasizes skill-building and self-improvement through structured programming that helps participants develop both practical abilities and personal insights. This approach recognizes that meaningful change often occurs through consistent participation in services that challenge inmates to examine their choices while building foundations for successful community reintegration.

Educational initiatives may provide opportunities for inmates to complete their high school equivalency or pursue college-level coursework through correspondence programs. Additionally, vocational services often include job training in various trades, with automotive repair programs being particularly valuable for developing marketable skills. These educational and vocational offerings typically focus on preparing inmates for employment opportunities upon release, helping them gain certifications and hands-on experience that employers often value.

Support services frequently encompass recovery programs that address substance abuse issues through counseling and group sessions. Additionally, restorative justice services may offer inmates opportunities to understand the impact of their actions while developing empathy and accountability. These therapeutic services often work together to help participants process their experiences, develop healthy coping strategies, and build the emotional tools necessary for maintaining positive relationships and making responsible decisions in their communities.

Daily Life & Visitation

Behind the security perimeter of this North Carolina correctional facility, inmates navigate a highly structured environment where concrete walls and steel doors define their daily boundaries. Inmates now follow regimented schedules that typically begin with early morning counts and proceed through designated meal times, work assignments, and evening lockdown procedures. The facility regularly maintains order through systematic headcounts and controlled movement between housing units and common areas.

Housing accommodations generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style units where inmates store their limited personal belongings and adapt to close quarters living. Additionally, the dining hall serves meals at scheduled times, with inmates moving through serving lines under staff supervision before eating at assigned tables. While personal space remains minimal, inmates typically receive basic bedding, hygiene items, and may purchase additional commissary goods to supplement their daily needs.

The facility provides various programming opportunities that help inmates structure their time constructively, including educational classes, vocational training, and recreational activities in designated areas. Work assignments often include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, and facility operations that provide inmates with daily responsibilities and modest compensation. Additionally, visitation policies typically allow approved family members and friends to maintain connections through scheduled visits, while phone calls and written correspondence offer regular communication options that help inmates preserve important relationships during their incarceration.