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 Groveland Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Groveland Correctional Facility 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 Groveland Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Groveland Correctional Facility

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 Groveland Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Groveland Correctional Facility?

   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 Groveland Correctional Facility?

   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 Groveland Correctional Facility. 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 Groveland Correctional Facility. 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 Groveland Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Groveland Correctional Facility
   7000 Sonyea Rd
   Sonyea, NY 14556
   Phone: (585) 658-2871

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Groveland Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Groveland Correctional Facility 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 (585) 658-2871 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 Groveland Correctional Facility?

   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 Groveland Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Groveland Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Groveland Correctional Facility 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 Groveland Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Groveland Correctional Facility, 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 Groveland Correctional Facility?

   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 Groveland Correctional Facility 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 Groveland Correctional Facility, 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 rehabilitation programs at Groveland Correctional Facility focus on addressing the diverse needs of incarcerated individuals through comprehensive treatment and educational opportunities. The facility provides alcohol and substance abuse treatment programs alongside anger management services, recognizing that addressing underlying behavioral issues is essential for successful reintegration. Educational and vocational programs form a cornerstone of the facility’s approach, offering residents pathways to develop job skills and academic credentials that may enhance their prospects upon release.

Counseling and support services at the facility typically include guidance and counseling services, trauma programs, and specialized sex offender treatment programs. Family development programs may help residents maintain and strengthen relationships with their loved ones, while veterans services address the comprehensive needs of those who have served in the military. The facility often provides access to library and law library services, enabling residents to pursue legal research and educational materials that support their personal development goals.

Transitional services programs and temporary release programs may assist residents in preparing for their eventual return to the community. Religious services, recreational programs, and volunteer services and programs typically round out the facility’s offerings, providing spiritual support, physical activity opportunities, and connections with community volunteers. These comprehensive services work together to create a structured environment focused on rehabilitation and skill-building, supporting residents as they work toward positive life changes during their incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Located in Sonyea, New York, Groveland Correctional Facility operates under a structured visitation system that significantly shapes the rhythm of life for incarcerated individuals. The facility’s weekend-dedicated visiting schedule divides residents based on their Department Identification Numbers (DINs), with those ending in odd numbers receiving visits on odd calendar days and those with even-numbered DINs visiting on even days. This alternating system, combined with the 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM visiting window and a maximum of two visits per month, creates anticipation and planning around these crucial family connections that often serve as emotional anchors throughout the week.

The medium-security environment at Groveland typically maintains a balance between structured supervision and opportunities for personal development. Residents generally follow established daily schedules that may include work assignments, educational activities, and participation in various programs designed to support rehabilitation. The facility offers a comprehensive range of services including substance abuse treatment, anger management, educational and vocational training, and religious services. These programs often provide structure to daily routines, with individuals attending classes, counseling sessions, or work details during designated hours throughout the week.

Beyond formal programming, daily life at Groveland likely incorporates access to recreational activities, library services, and opportunities for personal reflection and correspondence with family members. The facility’s location in rural Livingston County may influence the pace and atmosphere of daily routines, potentially offering a quieter environment compared to urban correctional facilities. Residents typically navigate established meal times, count procedures, and recreational periods while working toward personal goals and maintaining connections with loved ones through the structured visitation system and other approved communication methods.