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 Wheeler Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Wheeler Correctional Facility 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 Wheeler Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about Wheeler Correctional Facility

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 Wheeler Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Wheeler Correctional Facility?

   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 Wheeler Correctional Facility?

   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 Wheeler Correctional Facility. 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 Wheeler Correctional Facility. 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 Wheeler Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   Wheeler Correctional Facility
   195 N Broad St
   Alamo, GA 30411
   Phone: (912) 568-1731

5. What are the visiting hours at Wheeler Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at Wheeler Correctional Facility 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 (912) 568-1731 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 Wheeler Correctional Facility?

   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 Wheeler Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Wheeler Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at Wheeler Correctional Facility 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 Wheeler Correctional Facility?

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

   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 Wheeler Correctional Facility 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 Wheeler Correctional Facility, 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

Academic achievement forms a cornerstone of rehabilitation at Wheeler Correctional Facility, where inmates can pursue their General Education Diploma through comprehensive Adult Basic Education programs. The facility's educational framework includes remedial education support and wellness initiatives designed to address fundamental learning needs. Beyond traditional academics, the institution emphasizes practical skill development through an extensive vocational training program that encompasses computer technology, plumbing, electrical work, horticulture, masonry, and carpentry trades.

Counseling services at Wheeler take a multi-faceted approach to behavioral change, offering both individual and group counseling sessions alongside specialized programs such as Family Violence intervention, Confronting Self, Thinking for A Change, and substance abuse treatment. These therapeutic programs typically work in conjunction with the facility's Intensive Therapeutic Cert Team to provide comprehensive mental health support. The institution may also offer additional counseling services for anger management, life skills development, and pre-release preparation to help inmates successfully transition back into their communities.

Work programs at Wheeler extend beyond the facility grounds, providing inmates with real-world experience through partnerships with the Cities of Alamo and Glenwood, Wheeler County, Wheeler County Board of Education, and Little Ocmulgee State Park. These work details, along with building and grounds maintenance and recycling operations, offer valuable job training opportunities. Religious programming includes various worship services and faith-based initiatives, while recreational activities provide healthy outlets for physical activity and social interaction, contributing to overall rehabilitation and facility safety.

Daily Life & Visitation

The 2,874 residents at Wheeler Correctional Facility begin each day within one of eight main housing units, ranging from traditional cellblocks with three pods housing 80-88 individuals to dormitory-style arrangements accommodating 48-84 people per unit. This medium-security facility, which opened in 1998, operates on structured schedules that typically include early morning counts, meals served at designated times, and work assignments that may take residents beyond the facility grounds to locations such as the Cities of Alamo and Glenwood, Wheeler County operations, local school district projects, or Little Ocmulgee State Park.

Educational and therapeutic programming forms a significant part of the daily routine, with residents often participating in General Education Diploma classes, Adult Basic Education, or vocational training in areas like computer skills, plumbing, electrical work, horticulture, masonry, and carpentry. Counseling sessions, including Individual and Group Counseling, Substance Abuse programs, and specialized courses like "Thinking for A Change," are typically scheduled throughout the week. Recreation time and various worship services provide additional structure to daily life, with faith-based programs offering ongoing support for interested participants.

Family connections remain important through the facility's rotating visitation schedule, which changes between dormitories every quarter. Families are encouraged to contact the facility directly for current visitation days and hours, as the schedule varies to accommodate the different housing units. The facility's location in rural Georgia, accessible via Highway 441 through McRae and into Alamo, may require advance planning for visitors traveling from distant locations to maintain these crucial family relationships during incarceration.