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 Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution 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 Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution.

Frequently asked questions about Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution

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 Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution?

   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 Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution?

   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 Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution. 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 Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution. 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 Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution?

   Mailing address:

   Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution
   2500 Westgate Pl
   Pendleton, OR 97801
   Phone: (541) 276-0700

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Closed
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: 8:30 – 11:00 AM
   • 1:00 – 3:30 PM
   • Thursday: 8:30 – 11:00 AM
   • 1:00 – 3:30 PM
   • Friday: 8:30 – 11:00 AM
   • 1:00 – 3:30 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution?

   Visiting hours at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution 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 (541) 276-0700 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 Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution?

   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 Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution?

   You can send money to an inmate at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution 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 Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution, 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 Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution?

   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 Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution 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 Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution, 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 and skill-building form the foundation of rehabilitation services at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution. The facility typically emphasizes developing practical abilities alongside addressing underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior. Inmates often find opportunities to build confidence and prepare for successful community reintegration through structured programming that addresses both immediate needs and long-term goals.

Educational services may provide inmates with opportunities to complete their GED or pursue adult basic education courses. Tutoring programs often support those working to improve literacy and numeracy skills. Additionally, vocational training in small engine repair typically offers hands-on experience that can translate directly into employment opportunities upon release. These services often focus on building marketable skills while fostering a sense of accomplishment and purpose.

Support services frequently include cognitive behavioral programs designed to help inmates develop healthier thinking patterns and decision-making skills. Arts and crafts activities may provide creative outlets that promote self-expression and stress management. Additionally, dual diagnosis treatment services typically address the complex needs of inmates dealing with both substance abuse and mental health challenges. Vocational programs often complement these therapeutic services by providing structured environments where inmates can apply newly learned coping strategies while developing practical skills for future employment.

Daily Life & Visitation

The housing units at Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution feature a structured environment where inmates navigate dormitory-style living arrangements and individual cells depending on their custody level and behavior status. Inmates currently follow established daily routines that begin with morning counts and continue through scheduled meal times, work assignments, and evening lockdown procedures. The facility typically maintains consistent wake-up times and structured movement between different areas of the institution.

Living accommodations generally include basic furnishings such as beds, storage areas, and shared bathroom facilities within the housing units. Inmates may personalize their living spaces with approved personal property purchased through the commissary system, which typically offers hygiene items, snacks, and writing materials. Additionally, the dining halls serve three meals daily at designated times, with inmates moving in supervised groups according to their housing unit schedules.

The facility provides various recreational opportunities that may include outdoor exercise yards, gymnasium access, and common areas for television viewing and games. Work assignments often encompass kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, and facility operations that help inmates develop job skills while contributing to daily operations. While maintaining security protocols, the institution typically offers visitation programs and phone access that allow inmates to maintain connections with family members and approved contacts in the community.