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 Cold Springs Correctional Unit.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Cold Springs Correctional Unit 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 Cold Springs Correctional Unit.

Frequently asked questions about Cold Springs Correctional Unit

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 Cold Springs Correctional Unit.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Cold Springs Correctional Unit?

   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 Cold Springs Correctional Unit?

   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 Cold Springs Correctional Unit. 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 Cold Springs Correctional Unit. 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 Cold Springs Correctional Unit?

   Mailing address:

   Cold Springs Correctional Unit
   221 Spitler Cir
   Greenville, VA 24440
   Phone: (540) 337-1818

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Cold Springs Correctional Unit?

   Visiting hours at Cold Springs Correctional Unit 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 (540) 337-1818 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 Cold Springs Correctional Unit?

   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 Cold Springs Correctional Unit for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Cold Springs Correctional Unit?

   You can send money to an inmate at Cold Springs Correctional Unit 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 Cold Springs Correctional Unit?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Cold Springs Correctional Unit, 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 Cold Springs Correctional Unit?

   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 Cold Springs Correctional Unit 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 Cold Springs Correctional Unit, 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 transformation begins with access to meaningful opportunities that address both immediate needs and long-term goals. Those incarcerated at Cold Springs Corrections Unit in Virginia typically find a structured environment where rehabilitation takes priority alongside security measures. The facility's approach centers on providing diverse pathways for skill development and behavioral change, recognizing that successful reintegration requires comprehensive preparation across multiple areas of life.

Educational advancement forms a cornerstone of the facility's offerings, with programs designed to help participants complete their high school education or pursue further academic development. Those incarcerated may access basic literacy instruction, GED preparation courses, and continuing education opportunities that build essential knowledge and critical thinking skills. Additionally, vocational training programs often include hands-on instruction in trades and technical skills that align with current job market demands. These practical training opportunities typically focus on building marketable competencies that can translate directly into employment upon release.

Support services address the underlying factors that may contribute to criminal behavior through evidence-based therapeutic interventions. Anger management sessions provide tools for emotional regulation and conflict resolution, while cognitive behavioral programs help participants identify and modify thought patterns that lead to poor decision-making. Additionally, the facility may furnish domestic violence programs for those whose offenses relate to intimate partner violence, offering specialized counseling and education. Job placement assistance connects participants with potential employers and teaches interview skills, resume writing, and workplace expectations. Food service operations within the facility often serve as both a practical training ground and a way to develop work habits and responsibility in a supervised setting.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections remain a central focus for those incarcerated at Cold Springs Corrections Unit, with structured opportunities for maintaining relationships woven throughout the daily schedule. At present, residents actively participate in a routine that balances personal responsibility with community interaction, typically beginning with early morning counts and meal service. The facility furnishes a framework where social bonds can develop through shared dining experiences and group activities.

Housing arrangements generally place residents in dormitory-style units or smaller rooms, depending on classification levels and available space. Those incarcerated typically share common areas where conversations and informal gatherings occur throughout the day. Additionally, personal property allowances may include photographs and letters that help maintain connections to loved ones outside the facility walls.

Work assignments often create natural communities within the facility, as residents collaborate on kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility operations. Recreation periods furnish opportunities for group sports, television viewing, and social interaction in designated common areas. While structured programming schedules vary, many residents participate in educational classes or support groups that encourage peer connections. Visitation policies typically allow regular contact with approved family members and friends, and communication options may include monitored phone calls and correspondence to help sustain important relationships during incarceration.