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 Green Rock Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Green Rock Correctional Center 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 Green Rock Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Green Rock Correctional Center

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 Green Rock Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Green Rock Correctional Center?

   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 Green Rock Correctional Center?

   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 Green Rock Correctional Center. 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 Green Rock Correctional Center. 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 Green Rock Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Green Rock Correctional Center
   1704 Beverly Heights Rd
   Chatham, VA 24531
   Phone: (434) 797-2000

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Green Rock Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Green Rock Correctional Center 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 (434) 797-2000 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 Green Rock Correctional Center?

   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 Green Rock Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Green Rock Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Green Rock Correctional Center 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 Green Rock Correctional Center?

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

   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 Green Rock Correctional Center 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 Green Rock Correctional Center, 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

Educational initiatives form the cornerstone of rehabilitation efforts, encompassing comprehensive academic programming that may deliver both foundational literacy instruction and advanced coursework. These structured learning opportunities typically enable residents to pursue their General Educational Development credentials while developing critical thinking skills essential for successful community reintegration. The facility's approach emphasizes individualized learning pathways, recognizing that educational advancement serves as a powerful catalyst for personal transformation and reduced recidivism rates.

Vocational training initiatives complement academic programming by providing residents with marketable skills that enhance employment prospects upon release. These hands-on programs often include industry-relevant certifications and practical experience in various trades, allowing participants to develop both technical competencies and workplace readiness skills. Also, employment readiness initiatives may deliver comprehensive job search strategies, interview preparation, and professional communication training, creating a bridge between institutional learning and community-based employment opportunities.

Support services encompass a diverse array of therapeutic and life skills initiatives designed to address underlying behavioral patterns and promote psychological well-being. Cognitive behavioral programs typically focus on helping residents identify and modify thought processes that contribute to criminal behavior, while stress management initiatives may offer practical techniques for coping with challenging situations. Also, specialized programs such as barbering and cosmetology training provide residents with both vocational skills and opportunities for creative expression, fostering self-confidence and professional development that extends beyond traditional academic or trade-based learning.

Daily Life & Visitation

The rhythmic cadence of structured schedules forms the backbone of institutional life, where residents at present follow carefully organized daily routines that actively provide predictability and order. Morning counts typically begin the day, followed by meal service and work assignments that generally span several hours. Residents usually participate in various facility operations, from kitchen duties to maintenance tasks, while educational programs and counseling sessions are typically scheduled throughout the week. This consistent framework often helps residents develop positive habits and time management skills that may serve them well beyond their incarceration.

Housing arrangements generally consist of dormitory-style accommodations or individual cells, depending on security classification and available space. Residents typically share common areas for dining, where meals are served at designated times in large dining halls. Personal property is usually limited to approved items that residents may purchase through the commissary system, including hygiene products, snacks, and writing materials. Also, recreational opportunities often include access to outdoor exercise areas, television rooms, and library facilities during scheduled periods, allowing residents to maintain physical fitness and engage in constructive leisure activities.

However, structured programming schedules deliver additional stability through various educational and vocational training opportunities that may include literacy classes, job skills development, and substance abuse treatment programs. Family connections remain vital, as visitation policies typically allow approved visitors during designated hours and days of the week. Residents also generally have access to telephone services and may send and receive mail according to facility guidelines. These communication options often provide crucial emotional support and help maintain relationships that can be essential for successful reintegration into the community upon release.