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 Murphysboro Life Skills Re-Entry Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

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

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

   Mailing address:

   Murphysboro Life Skills Re-Entry Center
   636 Elza Brantley Rd
   Murphysboro, IL 62966
   Phone: (618) 565-2944

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

   Visiting hours at Murphysboro 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 (618) 565-2944 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 Murphysboro 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 Murphysboro Life Skills Re-Entry Center for their specific mail policies.

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

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

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Murphysboro 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 Murphysboro 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 Murphysboro 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 Murphysboro 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

The Murphysboro Life Skills Re-Entry Center emphasizes educational advancement through its comprehensive academic programming, offering Adult Basic Education (ABE), Advanced Adult Basic Education, and Adult Secondary Education leading to GED completion. These foundational programs prepare individuals for successful community reintegration by addressing educational gaps and building essential literacy skills. The facility's pre-vocational and re-entry related life skills training provides practical preparation for post-release challenges, while career and technical education programs in Construction Occupations and Horticulture offer hands-on training in marketable trades that can lead to sustainable employment opportunities.

As a minimum-security facility designed specifically for re-entry preparation, the center typically provides additional support services that may include substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and job readiness training. Individuals may have access to cognitive-behavioral programming, financial literacy education, and family reunification support to strengthen community ties before release. The facility often incorporates case management services to help coordinate release planning and connect residents with community resources.

The center's focus on life skills development likely extends to practical areas such as housing assistance, healthcare navigation, and social services coordination. Video visitation services available seven days a week help maintain family connections crucial for successful reintegration, while the facility's programming approach typically emphasizes personal responsibility, community engagement, and the development of pro-social behaviors necessary for long-term success in the community.

Daily Life & Visitation

At the Murphysboro Life Skills Re-Entry Center, residents typically begin their day with structured programming focused on preparing for successful community reintegration. The facility emphasizes educational advancement, with residents participating in Adult Basic Education, Advanced Adult Basic Education, and Adult Secondary Education programs leading to GED completion. Many residents also engage in Career and Technical Education programs, including Construction Occupations and Horticulture training, which provide valuable job skills for post-release employment. The center's pre-vocational and life skills programming helps residents develop practical abilities needed for independent living.

Communication with family and friends remains an important part of the rehabilitation process at this minimum-security facility. Video visitation is available seven days a week from 8:00 AM to 9:00 PM, though visitors must sign up in advance and log on 15 minutes prior to their scheduled session. Residents can also maintain contact through ICS CorrLinks electronic messaging system. The facility's focus on re-entry preparation means that residents often participate in community-oriented activities and may have opportunities for supervised community service or work programs as part of their transition planning.

Living conditions at the center typically reflect its minimum-security classification and re-entry mission, with residents housed in dormitory-style accommodations that encourage personal responsibility and community living skills. The facility's relatively small population of around 158 residents allows for more individualized attention and programming. Residents generally follow a structured daily schedule that balances educational programming, vocational training, work assignments, and personal time, all designed to mirror the routine and responsibilities they will face upon release.