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 Foundation of Mendocino County.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Community Foundation of Mendocino County 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 Foundation of Mendocino County.

Frequently asked questions about Community Foundation of Mendocino County

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 Foundation of Mendocino County.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Community Foundation of Mendocino County?

   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 Foundation of Mendocino County?

   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 Foundation of Mendocino County. 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 Foundation of Mendocino County. 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 Foundation of Mendocino County?

   Mailing address:

   Community Foundation of Mendocino County
   204 S Oak St
   Ukiah, CA 95482
   Phone: (707) 468-9882

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Community Foundation of Mendocino County?

   Visiting hours at Community Foundation of Mendocino County 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 (707) 468-9882 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 Foundation of Mendocino County?

   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 Foundation of Mendocino County for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Community Foundation of Mendocino County?

   You can send money to an inmate at Community Foundation of Mendocino County 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 Foundation of Mendocino County?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Community Foundation of Mendocino County, 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 Foundation of Mendocino County?

   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 Foundation of Mendocino County 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 Foundation of Mendocino County, 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 Mendocino County Correctional Facility, situated at 951 Low Gap Road in Ukiah, has implemented a modern remote video visitation program in partnership with IC Solutions, allowing inmates to maintain crucial family connections through scheduled video calls. This technological approach to visitation reflects the facility's adaptation to contemporary communication methods while supporting the rehabilitation process through sustained family relationships. The facility typically processes court appearances within 72 hours of booking, ensuring inmates have timely access to legal proceedings as part of their due process rights.

Beyond the core custody operations, the facility may offer educational programming designed to help inmates develop literacy skills and pursue GED completion during their incarceration. Vocational training opportunities often include basic job readiness skills, computer literacy, and trade-specific instruction that can support successful reintegration into the community. Counseling services typically encompass substance abuse treatment programs, anger management classes, and mental health support, addressing the underlying issues that may contribute to criminal behavior.

The facility's approach to inmate services likely includes medical care, library access, and recreational activities that promote physical and mental well-being during incarceration. Religious services and chaplaincy programs may provide spiritual support and guidance for inmates seeking faith-based rehabilitation resources. Work programs within the facility often allow inmates to develop job skills while contributing to facility operations, preparing them for employment opportunities upon release and fostering a sense of responsibility and routine.

Daily Life & Visitation

The booking process at Mendocino County Correctional Facility can extend several hours depending on jail workload, setting the tone for the structured environment that awaits inmates. Located at 951 Low Gap Road in Ukiah, the facility operates under strict scheduling protocols, including a nighttime lockdown period where no releases occur between 10:00 PM and 8:30 AM. Inmates arrested under the influence of drugs or alcohol typically remain in custody until they are no longer impaired, even if eligible for release on their own recognizance.

Video visitation through IC Solutions has modernized family connections at the facility, allowing loved ones to schedule remote visits rather than traveling to the physical location. This system may provide more flexible scheduling options and eliminates some of the traditional barriers to maintaining family relationships during incarceration. Court appearances are scheduled within 72 hours of booking, though this timeframe excludes weekends and public holidays, creating a predictable rhythm for legal proceedings.

Daily routines at the facility likely follow standard correctional protocols common throughout California, including scheduled meal times, recreation periods, and housing unit activities. Inmates typically spend time in designated housing areas between court appearances and other scheduled activities. The facility's release process often takes two to four hours after inmates return from court, though delays in obtaining court paperwork can extend this timeframe. Those posting bail through cash, certified checks, money orders, or bail bonds may experience longer processing times if the inmate has already been moved to a housing unit within the facility.