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 Willard Correctional Institute.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at Willard Correctional Institute 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 Willard Correctional Institute.

Frequently asked questions about Willard Correctional Institute

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 Willard Correctional Institute.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to Willard Correctional Institute?

   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 Willard Correctional Institute?

   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 Willard Correctional Institute. 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 Willard Correctional Institute. 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 Willard Correctional Institute?

   Mailing address:

   Willard Correctional Institute
   391 Shaker Rd
   Enfield, CT 06082
   Phone: (860) 763-6100

   Business hours:

   • Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Tuesday: Closed
   • Wednesday: Closed
   • Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
   • Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

5. What are the visiting hours at Willard Correctional Institute?

   Visiting hours at Willard Correctional Institute 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 (860) 763-6100 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 Willard Correctional Institute?

   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 Willard Correctional Institute for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at Willard Correctional Institute?

   You can send money to an inmate at Willard Correctional Institute 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 Willard Correctional Institute?

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

   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 Willard Correctional Institute 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 Willard Correctional Institute, 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

**Important Note: Willard-Cybulski Correctional Institution closed on April 1, 2023, due to a decline in the incarcerated population.**

During its operation, Willard-Cybulski Correctional Institution emphasized a structured accountability process that prepared individuals for successful community reintegration. The facility's counseling and programming department provided opportunities for those incarcerated to directly address the underlying causes and issues that led to their incarceration. This therapeutic approach typically included substance abuse treatment programs, cognitive behavioral interventions, and mental health counseling services designed to support personal transformation and reduce recidivism.

A significant component of the facility's programming involved extensive community service opportunities, with more than 150 individuals participating daily in supervised public service projects and work details. These programs provided maintenance services, assistance with community events, renovations, and painting projects for communities, state agencies, and local non-profit organizations. Such work programs often served dual purposes of giving back to the community while developing practical job skills and work experience.

The institution also played a major role in medical service delivery within Connecticut's correctional system, particularly after 2005 when it became central to a regional healthcare consolidation initiative. This approach aimed to improve medical services while maintaining fiscal responsibility. Educational and vocational training programs may have included basic literacy instruction, GED preparation, and job readiness training to support successful reentry into the community upon release.

Daily Life & Visitation

**Important Note: The Willard-Cybulski Correctional Institution closed on April 1, 2023, due to a decline in the incarcerated population. The following information reflects what daily life was like when the facility was operational.**

The structured environment at the former Willard-Cybulski Correctional Institution centered around a mandatory accountability process that shaped every aspect of residents' daily routines. As a Level 2 security facility, the institution operated on a privilege and award system where individuals earned benefits through meeting established standards, while those who fell short engaged in corrective action processes. The facility's emphasis on responsibility meant that daily schedules typically included structured programming time, work assignments, and educational opportunities designed to address the underlying issues that led to incarceration.

Community service played a significant role in daily life, with the facility placing more than 150 individuals daily in supervised public service projects throughout the surrounding communities. These work details often included maintenance tasks, assistance with community events, renovations, and painting projects for state and local non-profit organizations. This community-based approach provided residents with valuable work experience while contributing positively to the broader Enfield area and beyond.

The facility's comprehensive programming department offered various counseling and educational opportunities as part of its mission to prepare individuals for successful community reintegration. Medical services were typically available through the facility's role in the state's consolidated healthcare system, which aimed to provide efficient and fiscally responsible care. Family connections were generally maintained through standard visitation procedures and communication policies, though specific details would have varied based on individual circumstances and security classifications. The Cybulski Community Reintegration Center component provided additional transitional support for those preparing for release.