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 Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry 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 Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center.

Frequently asked questions about Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry 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 Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry 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 Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry 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 Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry 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 Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry 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 Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center?

   Mailing address:

   Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center
   2021 Kentville Rd
   Kewanee, IL 61443
   Phone: (309) 852-4601

5. What are the visiting hours at Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center?

   Visiting hours at Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry 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 (309) 852-4601 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 Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry 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 Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry 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 Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry 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 Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry 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 Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry 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 Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry 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

Building valuable life skills and preparing individuals for successful community reintegration forms the core mission at Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center. The facility provides educational programming designed to enhance academic foundations, along with job readiness training that equips individuals with practical employment skills needed for post-release success. Cognitive behavior therapy services address underlying behavioral patterns and thinking processes, helping participants develop healthier coping strategies and decision-making skills essential for avoiding recidivism.

The center's comprehensive approach to rehabilitation may include vocational training programs that align with local employment opportunities, substance abuse counseling for those struggling with addiction issues, and life skills workshops covering essential topics such as financial literacy, housing assistance, and family reunification. Mental health services are typically available to address psychological well-being, while case management support helps coordinate individual reentry plans and community connections.

As individuals progress through their time at the facility, they may participate in work release programs or community service opportunities that provide real-world experience while maintaining accountability. The center often facilitates connections with community-based organizations and support networks that can provide ongoing assistance after release. These comprehensive services work together to address the multiple challenges individuals face when transitioning from incarceration back to community life, with the ultimate goal of reducing recidivism and promoting successful long-term reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Kewanee Life Skills Re-Entry Center operates with a clear mission to prepare individuals for successful community reintegration through structured programming and skill development. Located on Kentville Road in Kewanee, Illinois, this facility houses an adult male population and maintains regular communication opportunities for families through video visitation sessions that run Sunday through Saturday from 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM and again from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Visitors must sign up in advance and are encouraged to log on 15 minutes prior to their scheduled session time. The facility utilizes ICSolutions technology services for both video visitation and electronic messaging through CorrLinks, allowing residents to maintain important family connections during their time at the center.

Programming at Kewanee typically centers around building practical life skills essential for successful reentry. The facility offers educational opportunities, job readiness training, and cognitive behavioral therapy sessions designed to help individuals make positive changes in their lives. These programs may include vocational training workshops, educational classes to help complete high school equivalency requirements, and therapeutic sessions focused on developing healthy coping strategies and decision-making skills. Residents often participate in structured daily activities that might include work assignments, educational sessions, group therapy meetings, and personal development workshops aimed at addressing the challenges they may face upon release.

The daily routine at Kewanee likely follows a structured schedule common to Illinois correctional facilities, with designated times for meals, programming, recreation, and personal activities. Residents may have opportunities to participate in work programs within the facility, attend educational classes, and engage in recreational activities during designated periods. Mail correspondence is handled through the facility's standard address system, and residents can receive both business and personal mail. The center's focus on life skills development means that much of the daily programming is designed to simulate real-world experiences and responsibilities, helping individuals develop the tools and confidence needed for successful community reintegration upon their release.