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 Michael Unit.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Michael Unit 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 Michael Unit.

Frequently asked questions about Michael Unit

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 Michael Unit.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Michael Unit?

   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 Michael Unit?

   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 Michael Unit. 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 Michael Unit. 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 Michael Unit?

   Mailing address:

   Michael Unit
   2664 FM2054
   Tennessee Colony, TX 75886
   Phone: (903) 928-2311

5. What are the visiting hours at Michael Unit?

   Visiting hours at Michael Unit 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 (903) 928-2311 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 Michael Unit?

   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 Michael Unit for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Michael Unit?

   You can send money to an inmate at Michael Unit 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 Michael Unit?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Michael Unit, 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 Michael Unit?

   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 Michael Unit 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 Michael Unit, 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 transformation begins with access to meaningful opportunities, and those incarcerated at Michael Unit may find pathways toward skill development and personal growth through a structured approach to rehabilitation. The facility typically emphasizes creating an environment where individuals can engage in productive activities that support both their immediate well-being and long-term reintegration goals. This comprehensive framework often includes educational advancement, vocational skill building, and therapeutic support services designed to address various aspects of personal development within a secure setting.

Educational and vocational training opportunities may furnish those incarcerated with practical skills that enhance their prospects for successful community reentry. The facility often includes vocational training programs that typically focus on trades and technical skills relevant to current job markets. These structured learning environments provide hands-on experience while maintaining the security protocols essential for facility operations. Participants may develop competencies in various fields while working within the facility's controlled environment.

In addition to this educational foundation, Michael Unit typically offers support services that address both practical and therapeutic needs. Work programs may provide those incarcerated with opportunities to develop job readiness skills and maintain productive daily routines. Mental health counseling services often include individual and group sessions designed to support emotional well-being and personal development. Faith-based initiatives may furnish spiritual guidance and community connections, while conflict resolution programs typically focus on developing communication skills and peaceful problem-solving strategies that support both facility safety and personal growth.

Daily Life & Visitation

Family connections and social bonds form the backbone of daily experiences for those incarcerated at the Michael Unit. These relationships now provide crucial emotional support through regular correspondence, scheduled phone calls, and anticipated visits that help maintain ties to the outside world. The facility typically operates on a structured schedule that furnishes predictability, with residents moving between housing areas, dining halls, work assignments, and recreational spaces throughout each day.

Living accommodations generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where those incarcerated develop informal support networks with their peers. Meals are typically served in communal dining areas at designated times, creating natural opportunities for social interaction and relationship building. The facility usually provides recreation time that may include outdoor exercise, sports activities, and access to common areas where residents can engage with one another. Despite the controlled environment, these shared spaces often become important venues for maintaining social connections and developing positive peer relationships.

In addition to this daily structure, the facility typically offers various work assignments that may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, or facility operations roles. Programming schedules generally include educational opportunities, vocational training, and counseling sessions that help those incarcerated prepare for eventual reintegration. Visitation policies usually allow for regular contact with family members and approved visitors, while communication options typically include monitored phone calls and correspondence. The commissary system generally enables residents to purchase personal items and snacks, often funded by family support, which helps maintain connections to loved ones on the outside.