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 Phoenix Project.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about SCI Phoenix Project

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 Phoenix Project.

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

   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 Phoenix Project?

   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 Phoenix Project. 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 Phoenix Project. 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 Phoenix Project?

   Mailing address:

   SCI Phoenix Project
   1200 Mokychic Rd
   Collegeville, PA 19426
   Phone: (610) 409-7890

5. What are the visiting hours at SCI Phoenix Project?

   Visiting hours at SCI Phoenix Project 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 (610) 409-7890 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 Phoenix Project?

   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 Phoenix Project for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at SCI Phoenix Project 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 Phoenix Project?

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

   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 Phoenix Project 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 Phoenix Project, 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 Residential Treatment Unit and Therapeutic Community at SCI Phoenix represent key components of the facility’s approach to addressing substance abuse and mental health needs among those incarcerated. These specialized housing units, along with the Diversionary Treatment Unit, typically provide structured environments where participants may engage in group counseling sessions, individual therapy, and evidence-based treatment programs designed to address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior. The Veterans Service Unit offers targeted support for formerly incarcerated military personnel, which may include assistance with VA benefits, specialized counseling services, and programs that recognize the comprehensive challenges faced by veteran populations.

Pennsylvania Correctional Industries operates several vocational training programs at SCI Phoenix, including a Laundry operation that employs 50-70 incarcerated workers, a Garment Factory with approximately 140 workers across garment, underwear, and hosiery shops, and a Shoe Factory that employs 60 workers in boot and shoe production and repair. These programs typically provide valuable job skills and work experience while serving the broader correctional system and community partners. The Community Work Program extends learning opportunities beyond the facility walls through projects such as litter pick-up, park maintenance, and painting local fire stations, allowing participants to contribute positively to surrounding communities.

Educational and reentry services at SCI Phoenix may include adult basic education, GED preparation, vocational training programs, and pre-release planning assistance. The facility’s Special Assessment Unit and Transitional Housing Unit often play important roles in preparing individuals for successful community reintegration by providing specialized programming and gradual transition support. Mental health services, substance abuse counseling, and various therapeutic programs are typically available to address the diverse needs of the population, while religious services and recreational activities may provide additional opportunities for personal growth and community building within the facility.

Daily Life & Visitation

At SCI Phoenix, incarcerated individuals typically begin their day in one of the facility’s 15 housing units, which are part of the modern design that replaced the aging SCI Graterford in 2018. The facility’s comprehensive dual-structure model, featuring both East and West sides with shared administrative services, creates a structured environment where residents may participate in various specialized programs including the Secure Residential Treatment Unit, Therapeutic Community, or Veterans Service Unit depending on their individual needs and classifications.

Work assignments often play a central role in daily routines, with many residents employed through PA Correctional Industries operations on-site. These may include positions in the Laundry Shop that serves multiple facilities, the Garment Factory with its specialized underwear and hosiery shops, or the Shoe Factory that produces and repairs footwear. Additionally, eligible participants in the Community Work Program may engage in projects such as park clean-up and litter removal in surrounding areas. Between work assignments, residents typically have access to programming services, commissary visits, and recreational activities within the facility’s 164 acres inside the perimeter.

Family connections remain an important aspect of daily life, with visitors able to schedule visits through the facility’s established procedures. Residents may also maintain contact with loved ones through the money transfer system for commissary purchases and other approved communication methods. The facility’s modern design and comprehensive support services, including specialized housing units for different populations and treatment needs, aim to provide structure while supporting rehabilitation and eventual reentry into the community.