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 Skyline Correctional Center.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Skyline Correctional Center 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 Skyline Correctional Center.

Frequently asked questions about Skyline Correctional Center

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 Skyline Correctional Center.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Skyline Correctional Center?

   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 Skyline Correctional Center?

   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 Skyline Correctional Center. 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 Skyline Correctional Center. 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 Skyline Correctional Center?

   Mailing address:

   Skyline Correctional Center
   600 Evans Rd
   Cañon City, CO 81215
   Phone: (719) 269-5601

5. What are the visiting hours at Skyline Correctional Center?

   Visiting hours at Skyline Correctional Center 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 (719) 269-5601 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 Skyline Correctional Center?

   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 Skyline Correctional Center for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Skyline Correctional Center?

   You can send money to an inmate at Skyline Correctional Center 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 Skyline Correctional Center?

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

   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 Skyline Correctional Center 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 Skyline Correctional Center, 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 Beacon at Skyline Correctional Center operates with a distinctive human-centered, collaborative approach that emphasizes healing, growth, and renewed purpose for residents. This Level I minimum security facility has transformed its organizational structure to focus on community building and cultural change within corrections. A comprehensive aspect of The Beacon’s programming includes Community Development Managers and Coordinators—select incarcerated residents who work alongside staff to help guide facility operations, fostering leadership development and peer mentorship opportunities.

The facility’s philosophy of providing choice and viewing responsibility as opportunity typically translates into various educational and vocational programs designed to support successful reentry. Residents may have access to adult basic education, GED preparation, and vocational training programs that align with local employment opportunities. Counseling services often include substance abuse treatment, mental health support, and cognitive-behavioral programming to address underlying issues that may have contributed to criminal behavior. The emphasis on creativity as possibility suggests that residents might participate in arts and crafts programs, creative writing workshops, or other expressive activities that support personal growth.

Given The Beacon’s focus on reentry as a continuation of care, the facility likely offers comprehensive transition planning services, including job placement assistance, housing coordination, and connections to community resources. Work programs may include facility maintenance, food service, and administrative duties that help residents develop job skills and work ethic. The collaborative community model typically incorporates regular group meetings, conflict resolution training, and peer support programs that strengthen relationships and build the positive community focus central to The Beacon’s mission of cultural transformation within corrections.

Daily Life & Visitation

The Beacon at Skyline Correctional Center operates as a comprehensive correctional community where incarcerated residents live in single cells and participate in a human-centered approach to daily operations. As Colorado’s reimagined Level I minimum security facility, residents typically begin their days with structured routines that may include work assignments, educational programming, or community development activities. A select group of 6-16 residents serve as Community Development Managers and Coordinators, working alongside staff to help guide facility operations and foster the collaborative environment that defines The Beacon’s mission.

The facility’s emphasis on choice and self-improvement often translates into varied daily schedules for residents, who may participate in programs focused on healing, growth, and renewed purpose. Common activities at minimum security facilities typically include vocational training, educational classes, and preparation for reentry into the community. The single-cell housing arrangement provides residents with personal space that supports the facility’s goals of building positive relationships and strengthening community bonds.

Family connections remain important during incarceration, and visitors to Colorado Department of Corrections facilities typically need to follow specific scheduling and approval processes. While exact visitation policies may vary, most CDOC facilities offer regular visiting hours and may provide video calling options for maintaining family relationships. The Beacon’s focus on fostering reentry as a “continuation of care” suggests that family involvement and community connections are likely emphasized as part of the facility’s comprehensive approach to supporting residents’ successful transition back to their communities.