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 Northeast Regional Corrections Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Northeast Regional Corrections 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 Northeast Regional Corrections Center.

Frequently asked questions about Northeast Regional Corrections 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 Northeast Regional Corrections Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Northeast Regional Corrections 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 Northeast Regional Corrections 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 Northeast Regional Corrections 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 Northeast Regional Corrections 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 Northeast Regional Corrections Center?

   Mailing address:

   Northeast Regional Corrections Center
   6102 Abrahamson Rd
   Saginaw, MN 55779
   Phone: (218) 729-8673

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Thursday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
   • Saturday: Closed
   • Sunday: Closed

5. What are the visiting hours at Northeast Regional Corrections Center?

   Visiting hours at Northeast Regional Corrections 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 (218) 729-8673 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 Northeast Regional Corrections 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 Northeast Regional Corrections Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Northeast Regional Corrections Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Northeast Regional Corrections 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 Northeast Regional Corrections Center?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Northeast Regional Corrections 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 Northeast Regional Corrections 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 Northeast Regional Corrections 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 Northeast Regional Corrections 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 Northeast Regional Corrections Center (NERCC) operates as Minnesota’s correctional work farm, centering its rehabilitation approach around practical skill development and agricultural programs. The facility’s greenhouse program allows justice-involved men to cultivate flowers and vegetables, expanding operations to include two hoop houses during growing season with retail sales open to the public. This hands-on agricultural training extends to livestock management, where residents learn skills in raising chickens and turkeys while developing expertise in meat processing operations.

NERCC’s vocational programming includes comprehensive meat processing services that serve both the facility and the local community, providing processing for area farmers and hunters year-round. The facility operates a meat market in Saginaw, Minnesota, where residents gain retail and customer service experience while the operation helps reduce food costs for the facility. These agricultural and processing programs typically complement other educational opportunities that may include basic education classes, vocational certifications, and life skills training designed to prepare residents for successful reintegration.

The work farm setting often supports additional rehabilitative services that may include substance abuse counseling, mental health support, and reentry planning assistance. NERCC’s philosophy emphasizes that meaningful change comes from within the individual, and the facility’s programs are structured to provide practical skills and work experience that can translate directly to employment opportunities upon release. The combination of agricultural work, business operations, and community engagement creates a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation that addresses both practical skills and personal development.

Daily Life & Visitation

The morning hours at Northeast Regional Correctional Center begin with residents tending to livestock and preparing for another day of hands-on agricultural work that defines this comprehensive Minnesota facility. As one of the state’s work farm operations, men here may start their day caring for chickens and turkeys, maintaining greenhouse operations, or preparing for meat processing activities that serve both the facility and the surrounding community.

Throughout the day, residents typically engage in structured programming that combines practical skill development with traditional correctional rehabilitation. The facility’s greenhouse operations provide year-round learning opportunities, where men cultivate flowers and vegetables that are later sold to the public through retail spaces on the property. The meat processing facility offers another avenue for vocational training, teaching residents valuable trade skills while helping to reduce operational costs for the institution. These work programs generally operate during standard business hours and may include responsibilities such as animal husbandry, food production, and customer service when interacting with community members who visit the retail operations.

Evening hours often include educational programming, personal time, and preparation for the next day’s activities. Like most Minnesota correctional facilities, NERCC typically maintains structured meal times, count procedures, and designated periods for communication with family members. The work farm setting may allow for somewhat different daily rhythms compared to traditional correctional facilities, with schedules often influenced by seasonal agricultural demands and the needs of the various farming operations that residents help maintain.