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 Dan River Prison Work Farm.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Dan River Prison Work Farm 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 Dan River Prison Work Farm.

Frequently asked questions about Dan River Prison Work Farm

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 Dan River Prison Work Farm.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Dan River Prison Work Farm?

   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 Dan River Prison Work Farm?

   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 Dan River Prison Work Farm. 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 Dan River Prison Work Farm. 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 Dan River Prison Work Farm?

   Mailing address:

   Dan River Prison Work Farm
   981 Murray Rd
   Blanch, NC 27212
   Phone: (336) 694-1583

5. What are the visiting hours at Dan River Prison Work Farm?

   Visiting hours at Dan River Prison Work Farm 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 (336) 694-1583 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 Dan River Prison Work Farm?

   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 Dan River Prison Work Farm for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Dan River Prison Work Farm?

   You can send money to an inmate at Dan River Prison Work Farm 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 Dan River Prison Work Farm?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Dan River Prison Work Farm, 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 Dan River Prison Work Farm?

   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 Dan River Prison Work Farm 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 Dan River Prison Work Farm, 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 Roxboro Satellite Training Center, operated in cooperation with Piedmont Community College, provides comprehensive vocational training for residents at Dan River Prison Work Farm. This satellite facility offers specialized programs in carpentry, masonry, information systems technology, horticulture, basic electricity, and human resource development, serving approximately many individuals in skills that directly translate to employment opportunities upon release. The facility’s work-based approach extends beyond traditional classroom learning, with residents participating in an offender construction program and maintenance work at nearby Caswell Correctional Center, providing hands-on experience in essential trades.

Environmental restoration work through a joint venture with the N.C. Wildlife Commission offers residents comprehensive opportunities to contribute to forest land, parks, and lakes restoration projects across North Carolina. This program typically combines outdoor work experience with environmental stewardship, while traditional institutional work assignments in food service, maintenance, and janitorial operations help residents develop essential workplace skills and maintain facility operations. The facility may also offer basic educational services, substance abuse counseling, and life skills programming to support successful reentry into the community.

Support services at Dan River Prison Work Farm likely include medical care provided through the on-site medical department, religious services coordinated through the chaplain’s office, and library resources for educational and recreational reading. The facility’s design, featuring multiple day rooms and common areas, may facilitate group programming and counseling sessions, while the barber shop and canteen services help maintain residents’ personal care and provide limited commissary access. These comprehensive services work together to prepare minimum custody residents for successful reintegration into their communities upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

The 60,000 square-foot dormitory building at Dan River Prison Work Farm accommodates residents across 10 housing areas, each equipped with its own day room and shower facilities. Built with modern architecture designed for cost-effective maintenance, the facility provides a structured environment where minimum custody adult male offenders typically begin their day early with count procedures before transitioning to their assigned work details. The dormitory-style housing arrangement allows for more open movement within designated areas compared to traditional cell-based facilities, though residents must adhere to established schedules and security protocols throughout their daily routine.

Work assignments form the cornerstone of daily life at Dan River, with residents participating in food service, maintenance, janitorial duties, and institutional operations. Many residents may also work on projects at nearby Caswell Correctional Center or participate in the offender construction program. A notable aspect of daily life includes the forest restoration work conducted through the partnership with the N.C. Wildlife Commission, where selected residents travel to various locations across North Carolina to restore forest land, parks, and lakes. For those enrolled in educational programs, daily schedules typically include time at the Roxboro Satellite Training Center, operated in cooperation with Piedmont Community College, where residents can pursue training in carpentry, masonry, information systems technology, horticulture, basic electricity, and human resource development.

The facility’s central complex houses essential daily services including food service operations, visiting areas for family contact, and program departments that support rehabilitation efforts. Residents have access to amenities such as two canteens for purchasing approved items, a library for educational and recreational reading, a barber shop for grooming needs, and classroom spaces for continuing education. The chaplain’s office provides spiritual support and programming, while medical services address healthcare needs. Family members and approved visitors can maintain contact through the designated visiting area, though specific visiting schedules and procedures typically follow North Carolina Department of Adult Correction guidelines for minimum custody facilities.