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 Sanders Estes Unit.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about Sanders Estes 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 Sanders Estes Unit.

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

   Mailing address:

   Sanders Estes Unit
   1100 FM 1807
   Venus, TX 76084
   Phone: (972) 366-3334

   Business hours:

   • Monday: Open 24 hours
   • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
   • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
   • Thursday: Open 24 hours
   • Friday: Open 24 hours
   • Saturday: Open 24 hours
   • Sunday: Open 24 hours

5. What are the visiting hours at Sanders Estes Unit?

   Visiting hours at Sanders Estes 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 (972) 366-3334 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 Sanders Estes 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 Sanders Estes Unit for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at Sanders Estes 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 Sanders Estes Unit?

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

Transformation through structured engagement forms the cornerstone of personal development services at Estes Unit, where inmates encounter opportunities designed to cultivate essential life skills and foster meaningful change. The facility's comprehensive approach recognizes that genuine rehabilitation emerges through multifaceted programming that addresses both practical competencies and personal growth, creating pathways for individuals to rebuild their lives with purpose and direction.

Educational and vocational services typically encompass a range of skill-building opportunities that prepare inmates for successful reintegration into society. Vocational training programs may provide hands-on instruction in trades such as carpentry, equipping participants with marketable skills that enhance employment prospects upon release. These structured learning environments often emphasize both technical proficiency and workplace readiness, fostering the discipline and craftsmanship that contribute to long-term career stability.

Additionally, support services create a foundation for personal accountability and community engagement through various meaningful activities. Work programs may offer inmates the opportunity to develop professional habits while contributing to facility operations, while grounds maintenance assignments often instill pride in environmental stewardship and teamwork. Faith-based initiatives typically provide spiritual guidance and moral reflection opportunities, supporting inmates who seek to strengthen their personal values and ethical frameworks as integral components of their rehabilitation journey.

Daily Life & Visitation

The concrete walls and steel fixtures of the housing units at Estes Unit create a stark, institutional environment where inmates must learn to navigate the rhythms of correctional life. At present, residents actively participate in a highly structured daily routine that typically begins before dawn with morning counts and continues through scheduled meal times, work assignments, and evening lockdown procedures. The facility generally maintains consistent scheduling that provides predictability, helping inmates establish patterns that may support their adjustment to the institutional setting.

Living accommodations within the facility typically consist of multi-person cells or dormitory-style housing units, where inmates share compact spaces that include basic furnishings such as bunks, storage areas, and shared bathroom facilities. The dining arrangements generally involve scheduled meal times in common areas, where residents receive nutritionally planned meals that meet state correctional standards. Additionally, inmates may access commissary services to purchase approved personal items and food products, which often provide some measure of personal choice within the controlled environment.

While the physical environment remains restrictive, various programs and activities provide structure and opportunities for personal development. Recreation and exercise opportunities typically include access to outdoor yards, indoor common areas, and scheduled physical activities that help inmates maintain their health and manage stress. Work assignments within the facility may include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, and other institutional operations that provide routine and sometimes vocational experience. Family connections remain vital to inmate adjustment, with visitation policies generally allowing approved visitors during designated times, and communication options that may include monitored phone calls and correspondence, helping residents maintain important relationships with their support systems outside the facility walls.