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 PINE GROVE.

Sending Photos and Postcards

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

Frequently asked questions about SCI PINE GROVE

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 PINE GROVE.

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

   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 PINE GROVE?

   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 PINE GROVE. 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 PINE GROVE. 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 PINE GROVE?

   Mailing address:

   SCI PINE GROVE
   189 Fyock Rd
   Indiana, PA 15701
   Phone: (724) 465-9630

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Friday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Saturday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM
   • Sunday: 8:30 AM – 3:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at SCI PINE GROVE?

   Visiting hours at SCI PINE GROVE 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 (724) 465-9630 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 PINE GROVE?

   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 PINE GROVE for their specific mail policies.

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

   You can send money to an inmate at SCI PINE GROVE 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 PINE GROVE?

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

   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 PINE GROVE 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 PINE GROVE, 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 philosophy of holistic development permeates every aspect of the comprehensive opportunities available to individuals, creating an interconnected network of services designed to address multiple facets of personal growth and rehabilitation. This multifaceted approach recognizes that meaningful transformation requires addressing educational deficits, developing practical skills, and fostering emotional well-being simultaneously. Through carefully structured programming, individuals may access a diverse array of opportunities that build upon one another, creating pathways toward successful community reintegration.

Educational advancement forms the cornerstone of these comprehensive offerings, with vocational education opportunities typically encompassing trades and technical skills that align with contemporary workforce demands. These education programs often include academic instruction ranging from basic literacy enhancement to advanced coursework, allowing individuals to progress according to their comprehensive learning needs and career aspirations. The vocational components may offer hands-on training in various skilled trades, providing individuals with marketable competencies that can translate directly into employment opportunities upon release.

Moreover, therapeutic and support-oriented opportunities complement the educational framework through specialized programming designed to address underlying behavioral patterns and foster personal accountability. Therapeutic communities may offer structured environments where individuals engage in intensive group work and peer support systems, creating opportunities for meaningful behavioral change. Mentoring programs typically connect participants with experienced guides who provide ongoing encouragement and practical guidance, while creative outlets such as painting and decorating opportunities allow for artistic expression and the development of additional practical skills that may serve both therapeutic and vocational purposes.

Daily Life & Visitation

The sound of morning announcements echoes through housing units as individuals begin another structured day, where today’s routine mirrors yesterday’s in its predictable rhythm, yet consistently offers opportunities for personal growth and connection. Generally, wake-up occurs in the early morning hours, followed by cell inspections and the preparation for breakfast service. The day typically unfolds with a combination of work assignments, educational programming, and recreational periods, all operating within the facility’s security protocols and scheduling requirements.

Living accommodations at the facility generally consist of shared cells or dormitory-style housing units, where individuals maintain personal spaces within the structured environment. Each housing area typically includes common areas for television viewing and social interaction during designated periods. Moreover, the dining experience usually involves scheduled meal times in a central cafeteria, where individuals receive nutritionally planned meals and may have opportunities to interact with others from their housing units. Personal property allowances typically include basic hygiene items, limited clothing, and approved personal items that can often be supplemented through commissary purchases.

Whereas the structured environment maintains necessary security measures, programming opportunities often include educational classes, vocational training, and recreational activities that offer meaningful ways to spend time. Work assignments may involve facility maintenance, kitchen duties, or other institutional operations that provide individuals with routine and purpose. Furthermore, family connections remain vital through scheduled visitation periods and telephone privileges, allowing individuals to maintain important relationships with loved ones. Recreation typically includes access to outdoor exercise areas, indoor fitness facilities, and organized sports activities that promote physical wellness and social interaction within the facility’s guidelines.