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 Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women 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 Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women.

Frequently asked questions about Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women

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 Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women?

   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 Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women?

   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 Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women. 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 Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women. 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 Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women?

   Mailing address:

   Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women
   55 State Rd 2468
   Black Mountain, NC 28711
   Phone: (828) 259-6000

   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 Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women?

   Visiting hours at Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women 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 (828) 259-6000 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 Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women?

   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 Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women?

   You can send money to an inmate at Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women 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 Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women?

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

   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 Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women 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 Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women, 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

Educational and vocational opportunities form the cornerstone of rehabilitation at Western Correctional Center for Women, where individuals can pursue Adult Basic Education and GED programs alongside computer skills training. The facility's specialized programs include Focus On Freedom, horticulture training conducted in an operating greenhouse, hospitality services, and veterinary care instruction. These diverse offerings reflect the center's commitment to providing practical skills that support successful reentry into the community.

Beyond the confirmed educational and vocational programs, Western CCW may offer additional rehabilitative services commonly found in North Carolina correctional facilities. These typically include substance abuse counseling, mental health services, and life skills workshops that address areas such as financial literacy, parenting, and anger management. The facility may also provide religious services, library access, and recreational activities that support overall well-being and personal development.

As a minimum custody and reentry facility, Western CCW likely emphasizes pre-release preparation through programs that may include job readiness training, community resource connections, and transitional planning services. The center's focus on practical skills training, combined with potential counseling and support services, creates a comprehensive approach to helping individuals prepare for successful reintegration into their communities upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

Women at Western Correctional Center for Women begin their days in one of four dormitory-style living units: Greenwood, Frye, Sloop, or Gilliat. These renovated dormitories house the facility's 366 residents in a minimum custody environment that emphasizes rehabilitation and preparation for reentry into the community. The structured daily schedule typically includes time for educational programs, vocational training, work assignments, and personal activities, with residents moving between the various buildings on the former Swannanoa Valley Juvenile Detention Center campus.

Educational and vocational opportunities form a central part of daily life, with residents participating in programs such as Adult Basic Education and GED preparation, computer skills training, and specialized vocational courses in horticulture, hospitality, and veterinary care. The facility's renovated vocational building includes educational classrooms and an operating greenhouse where residents can gain hands-on experience. Many women also participate in the Focus On Freedom program, which may provide additional life skills and reentry preparation. Work assignments throughout the facility help maintain daily operations while providing residents with valuable job skills and structure.

Family connections remain important through the facility's visiting program and communication options. Located at 55 Lake Eden Road in Black Mountain, the facility provides opportunities for families to send mail, money, and approved packages to residents. The visiting program typically operates on scheduled days, allowing families to maintain relationships that support successful reentry. As a minimum custody facility focused on reentry preparation, Western Correctional Center for Women emphasizes programming and activities designed to help residents develop the skills and connections needed for their eventual return to the community.