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 Robert Ellsworth Correctional.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Robert Ellsworth Correctional 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 Robert Ellsworth Correctional.

Frequently asked questions about Robert Ellsworth Correctional

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 Robert Ellsworth Correctional.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Robert Ellsworth Correctional?

   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 Robert Ellsworth Correctional?

   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 Robert Ellsworth Correctional. 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 Robert Ellsworth Correctional. 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 Robert Ellsworth Correctional?

   Mailing address:

   Robert Ellsworth Correctional
   21425 Spring St
   Union Grove, WI 53182
   Phone: (262) 878-6000

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM
   • Tuesday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM
   • Wednesday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM
   • Thursday: 5:30 – 9:00 PM
   • Friday: Closed
   • Saturday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
   • Sunday: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Robert Ellsworth Correctional?

   Visiting hours at Robert Ellsworth Correctional 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 (262) 878-6000 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 Robert Ellsworth Correctional?

   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 Robert Ellsworth Correctional for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Robert Ellsworth Correctional?

   You can send money to an inmate at Robert Ellsworth Correctional 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 Robert Ellsworth Correctional?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At Robert Ellsworth Correctional, 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 Robert Ellsworth Correctional?

   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 Robert Ellsworth Correctional 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 Robert Ellsworth Correctional, 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 Wisconsin Women's Correctional System facility focuses heavily on substance abuse disorder treatment through its primary Earned Release Program (ERP), which serves moderate and high-risk participants using evidence-based curricula including Helping Women Recover, Beyond Violence, Seeking Safety, and Connections. This comprehensive treatment approach addresses the complex needs of female offenders by combining addiction recovery with trauma-informed care and violence prevention strategies. The facility's educational programming typically encompasses basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and may include post-secondary educational opportunities to help residents develop academic skills essential for successful reintegration.

Beyond the core substance abuse programming, the facility provides grief counseling, religious instruction, and family reintegration services designed to strengthen connections with loved ones and support systems. Re-entry programming may include job readiness training, life skills development, and community transition planning to prepare residents for their return to society. The facility's treatment unit, which opened in 2016, likely offers specialized therapeutic services and may provide enhanced mental health programming for residents with specific clinical needs.

Additional services commonly available at minimum-security women's facilities may include vocational training in areas such as food service, custodial work, or office skills, along with recreational activities and library services. Health and wellness programming often encompasses medical care, mental health counseling, and wellness education. The facility's approach to rehabilitation typically emphasizes personal accountability, skill development, and community connection to support successful reintegration upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Women at Robert E. Ellsworth Correctional Center begin each day within a structured environment designed around rehabilitation and treatment programming. As a minimum-security facility housing adult female offenders, REECC operates with schedules that typically accommodate the facility's extensive array of programs, including education, substance abuse disorder treatment, re-entry preparation, and family reintegration services. The facility's primary focus on the Substance Abuse Disorder Earned Release Program means many residents participate in evidence-based curricula like Helping Women Recover, Beyond Violence, and Seeking Safety throughout their daily routines.

Communication with family and friends forms an important part of daily life, with the facility offering both in-person and virtual visiting options to maintain these crucial connections. REECC provides visiting information in both English and Spanish, reflecting the facility's commitment to serving diverse populations. Women may also stay connected through approved mail and phone communications, following standard correctional protocols. The facility's family reintegration programming often incorporates these communication opportunities as part of broader rehabilitation efforts.

The daily environment at REECC typically includes structured meal times, work assignments, educational opportunities, and recreational periods common to Wisconsin correctional facilities. Since 2016, the facility has operated an 84-bed treatment unit housed in a renovated annex building, providing specialized programming space for women participating in intensive treatment programs. Religious instruction and grief counseling services are also available, offering additional support structures that may be integrated into residents' daily schedules. The minimum-security classification generally allows for more movement and programming flexibility compared to higher-security facilities, supporting the center's rehabilitation-focused mission.