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 Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Montgomery County 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 Montgomery County Correctional Facility.

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

   Mailing address:

   Montgomery County Correctional Facility
   60 Eagleville Rd
   Eagleville, PA 19403
   Phone: (610) 635-7100

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Montgomery County Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Montgomery County 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 (610) 635-7100 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 Montgomery County 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 Montgomery County Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Montgomery County 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 Montgomery County Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Montgomery County 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 Montgomery County 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 Montgomery County 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 Montgomery County 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 State Correctional Institution at Mahanoy operates a comprehensive Reentry Service Office designed to support individuals within 18 months of their release date, providing crucial preparation for community reintegration. Through its computer lab, the facility assists with resume writing and job searches while facilitating workshops in Life Skills, Budgeting, and Digital Literacy. The institution’s academic programs span from Adult Basic Education and GED preparation to Post-Secondary Education opportunities, with English as a Second Language courses available for those who need them. Vocational training includes specialized programs in Custodial Maintenance with OSHA certification, Carpentry, CDL training, Warehouse Operations, and Barbering, alongside NCCER certification and Flagger training.

SCI Mahanoy’s therapeutic programming includes specialized housing units such as the Residential Treatment Unit and Therapeutic Communities, addressing various rehabilitation needs. The facility offers evidence-based programs like Thinking for a Change, Cognitive Behavioral Interventions, and Violence Prevention, complemented by practical life preparation through Money Smart financial literacy and Pathways to Success programming. The comprehensive Reading to Your Children program may help maintain family connections during incarceration. Additionally, the institution operates Pennsylvania Correctional Industries’ regional commissary distribution center, providing work experience for approximately many individuals while serving nine eastern Pennsylvania facilities.

Beyond these core services, SCI Mahanoy may offer additional support programs typical of medium-security facilities, potentially including mental health counseling, substance abuse treatment, religious services, and recreational activities. The Community Work Program engages participants in local road maintenance and litter collection, fostering community service opportunities. With its diverse programming approach spanning education, vocational training, therapeutic interventions, and reentry preparation, the facility aims to provide comprehensive support for successful rehabilitation and community reintegration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Within the 67 acres enclosed by SCI Mahanoy’s perimeter, inmates typically begin their days early with structured routines that may include work assignments at the facility’s regional commissary distribution center, where approximately many individuals help distribute supplies to nine eastern Pennsylvania institutions. The facility’s 11 housing units accommodate the inmate population, with specialized areas including the Residential Treatment Unit and Therapeutic Communities providing focused environments for those participating in treatment programs.

Educational opportunities form a significant part of daily activities, with inmates potentially attending Adult Basic Education classes, working toward their GED, or participating in vocational training programs such as carpentry, custodial maintenance, or commercial driver’s license preparation. The facility’s computer lab within the Reentry Service Office allows those within 18 months of release to work on resume writing and job searches, while various workshops covering life skills and digital literacy help prepare individuals for community reintegration. Some inmates may participate in the Community Work Program, collecting litter from local roadways as part of their daily responsibilities.

Family connections remain important through the facility’s visitation program and communication systems that allow inmates to maintain contact with loved ones. The “Reading to Your Children” program provides opportunities for fathers to stay connected with their families, while programs like Money Smart and Pathways to Success help inmates develop practical skills they’ll need upon release. Evening hours typically include recreational time, additional programming such as Violence Prevention or Thinking for a Change sessions, and personal time within the housing units before lights out.