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 Community Correctional Center Lincoln.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Community Correctional Center Lincoln

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 Community Correctional Center Lincoln.

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

   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 Community Correctional Center Lincoln?

   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 Community Correctional Center Lincoln. 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 Community Correctional Center Lincoln. 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 Community Correctional Center Lincoln?

   Mailing address:

   Community Correctional Center Lincoln
   2720 W Van Dorn St
   Lincoln, NE 68522
   Phone: (402) 471-0740

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: Closed
   • Friday: Closed
   • Saturday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM
   • 7:00 – 10:00 PM
   • Sunday: 1:00 – 4:00 PM
   • 7:00 – 10:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Community Correctional Center Lincoln?

   Visiting hours at Community Correctional Center Lincoln 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 (402) 471-0740 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 Community Correctional Center Lincoln?

   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 Community Correctional Center Lincoln for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Community Correctional Center Lincoln 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 Community Correctional Center Lincoln?

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

   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 Community Correctional Center Lincoln 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 Community Correctional Center Lincoln, 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 Nebraska Correctional Center for Women operates as a comprehensive diagnostic and evaluation center, with newly committed female inmates participating in a specialized 30-day Orientation program that is segregated from the general population. During this critical initial period, individuals receive thorough medical and mental health evaluations while learning about the various programming opportunities available throughout their incarceration. Each person receives a personalized classification and programming plan designed to address their specific needs and support their rehabilitation goals.

The facility’s programming structure typically includes educational services that may offer basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and vocational training opportunities. Given the facility’s history of accreditation by the American Correctional Association since 1981, programs likely emphasize evidence-based practices in areas such as substance abuse treatment, particularly through the dedicated 48-bed residential treatment unit. Mental health services and counseling programs may address trauma, addiction recovery, and life skills development, while work programs often provide opportunities to develop job skills and work experience.

Support services at the facility may include library access, recreational activities, and family visitation programs designed to maintain important community connections. The special needs unit suggests specialized programming for individuals requiring additional medical or mental health support. Religious and spiritual services, along with pre-release planning and reentry preparation programs, are commonly available to help individuals successfully transition back to their communities upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

The 30-day Orientation program at the Nebraska Correctional Center for Women marks the beginning of each resident’s structured daily routine, during which newcomers receive comprehensive medical and mental health evaluations while learning about available programming opportunities. This initial period operates separately from the general population, allowing staff to develop personalized classification and programming plans that will guide each individual’s path forward. Following orientation, residents typically transition into the facility’s general population areas, which may include the 76-bed general population living unit or specialized housing such as the residential substance abuse treatment unit, depending on their individual needs and custody classification.

Daily schedules at NCCW often revolve around the facility’s various program areas, many housed in the historic three-story brick dormitory buildings that have served the facility since the 1920s. Residents may participate in educational programs in the remodeled education areas, receive medical services, or engage in other rehabilitative programming designed to address their specific needs. The facility’s dining room serves as a central gathering place for meals, while the central laundry and other operational areas may provide work opportunities for qualified residents. Those interested in visiting can contact the facility to schedule visits, with specific policies and procedures available through the facility’s administration.

As Nebraska’s dedicated secure correctional facility for adult women, NCCW houses residents across maximum, medium, and minimum custody levels, with daily routines varying according to security classification and individual programming requirements. The facility’s accreditation by the American Correctional Association since 1981 reflects its commitment to maintaining professional standards in all aspects of daily operations, from housing and medical care to programming and security procedures.