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 SCI Mahanoy.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at SCI Mahanoy 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 SCI Mahanoy.

Frequently asked questions about SCI Mahanoy

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 SCI Mahanoy.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to SCI Mahanoy?

   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 SCI Mahanoy?

   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 SCI Mahanoy. 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 SCI Mahanoy. 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 SCI Mahanoy?

   Mailing address:

   SCI Mahanoy
   301 Morea Rd
   Frackville, PA 17932
   Phone: (570) 773-2158

   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 SCI Mahanoy?

   Visiting hours at SCI Mahanoy 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 (570) 773-2158 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 SCI Mahanoy?

   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 SCI Mahanoy for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at SCI Mahanoy?

   You can send money to an inmate at SCI Mahanoy 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 SCI Mahanoy?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At SCI Mahanoy, 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 SCI Mahanoy?

   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 SCI Mahanoy 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 SCI Mahanoy, 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 emphasizes comprehensive reentry preparation through its Reentry Service Office, which serves inmates within 18 months of their release date. This facility-based program utilizes a dedicated computer lab where inmates can develop resumes, conduct job searches, and connect with community resources essential for successful reintegration. Reentry Parole Agents facilitate workshops covering Life Skills, Budgeting, and Digital Literacy, while specialized programs like "Reading to Your Children," "Money Smart," and "Pathways to Success" address family connections and financial literacy.

Educational opportunities at SCI Mahanoy span from foundational learning through post-secondary education, including Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, Adult Literacy, and English as a Second Language programs. The facility's vocational training programs prepare inmates for employment in various trades, offering certifications in Custodial Maintenance (OSHA), Carpentry, Commercial Driver's License (CDL), Warehouse Operations, and Barbering. Additionally, the Flagger and NCCER programs provide specialized construction industry training that may enhance employment prospects upon release.

The institution operates several specialized housing units designed to address different inmate needs, including a Residential Treatment Unit, Therapeutic Communities, and a Diversionary Treatment Unit. Behavioral intervention programs such as "Thinking for a Change," "Violence Prevention," and Cognitive Behavioral Interventions typically focus on reducing recidivism through evidence-based therapeutic approaches. The facility may also offer additional counseling services, recreational activities, and religious programs common to Pennsylvania correctional institutions, while the Community Work Program allows select inmates to contribute to local community maintenance through roadside litter collection.

Daily Life & Visitation

Residents at SCI Mahanoy begin their days within one of 11 housing units spread across the facility's 67-acre secured perimeter. The medium-security institution, which opened in July 1993, houses male inmates who typically follow structured daily schedules that may include work assignments, educational programming, and therapeutic activities. Those participating in the Pennsylvania Correctional Industries program often report to the regional commissary distribution center, where approximately 90 inmates work on a single shift, managing inventory and distribution for nine eastern Pennsylvania institutions.

Educational opportunities form a significant part of daily routines, with inmates attending classes ranging from Adult Basic Education and GED preparation to vocational training in areas such as carpentry, custodial maintenance, and commercial driver's license preparation. The facility's computer lab within the Reentry Service Office provides hands-on experience with resume writing and job searching for those within 18 months of their release date. Specialized housing units, including the Residential Treatment Unit and Therapeutic Communities, offer structured programming for inmates with specific needs, while programs like "Thinking for a Change" and "Violence Prevention" may be integrated into weekly schedules.

Family connections remain important through regular visitation opportunities and the "Reading to Your Children" program, which allows inmates to maintain relationships with their families. Those eligible for the Community Work Program may spend portions of their days working on litter collection along local roads, providing both community service and work experience. Evening hours typically include recreational time, additional programming such as "Money Smart" financial literacy classes, or personal time within housing units, creating a structured environment that balances security requirements with rehabilitation goals.