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 William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility.

Sending Photos and Postcards

A great way to send love and support to a loved one at William E. Donaldson 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 William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility.

Frequently asked questions about William E. Donaldson 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 William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility.

2. How much does it cost to send a message to William E. Donaldson 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 William E. Donaldson 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 William E. Donaldson 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 William E. Donaldson 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 William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility?

   Mailing address:

   William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility
   100 Warrior Ln
   Bessemer, AL 35023
   Phone: (205) 436-3681

5. What are the visiting hours at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility?

   Visiting hours at William E. Donaldson 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 (205) 436-3681 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 William E. Donaldson 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 William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility for their specific mail policies.

7. How do I send money to an inmate at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility?

   You can send money to an inmate at William E. Donaldson 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 William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility?

   Many facilities now offer video visitation as an alternative to in-person visits. At William E. Donaldson 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 William E. Donaldson 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 William E. Donaldson 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 William E. Donaldson 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

Through a comprehensive network of rehabilitative services, William Donaldson Correctional Facility demonstrates its commitment to fostering personal growth and successful community reintegration for the population. The facility's approach centers on addressing individual needs through structured programming that builds essential life skills while strengthening connections to family and community. This supportive framework typically encompasses educational advancement, vocational training, and therapeutic interventions designed to prepare participants for meaningful participation in society upon release.

Educational programs form a cornerstone of the facility's rehabilitative efforts, with adult basic education services helping participants develop fundamental academic skills necessary for future success. These educational opportunities often include literacy development and preparation for high school equivalency completion, providing the population with tools to pursue further learning or employment. Additionally, vocational training programs may supply specialized instruction in areas such as HVAC certification, equipping participants with marketable skills that can lead to stable employment opportunities in their communities.

The facility's therapeutic and support services address both immediate needs and long-term reintegration goals through various specialized programs. Sex offender treatment programs typically provide structured interventions designed to reduce recidivism risk while promoting accountability and behavioral change. Work release opportunities may offer eligible participants the chance to maintain employment connections and contribute to their families' financial stability during incarceration. Additionally, faith-based programs often provide spiritual guidance and community support, while facility maintenance work assignments help develop practical skills and work habits that serve participants well beyond their period of incarceration.

Daily Life & Visitation

Systematic organization shapes every aspect of life within the William Donaldson Correctional Facility, where structured routines supply the framework for daily activities. Today's schedule typically begins with early morning counts, followed by meal service and work assignments that consistently maintain facility operations. The population generally moves through predetermined timeframes for meals, programming, and recreation, with security protocols ensuring orderly transitions between activities.

Living accommodations at the facility typically consist of multi-person housing units where the population maintains personal spaces within shared environments. Additionally, residents may store approved personal property and access commissary items to supplement basic necessities provided by the facility. While housing assignments often depend on security classification and program participation, the facility generally maintains organized dormitory-style or cell-based arrangements that accommodate the daily movement of residents.

Structured programming schedules usually include educational opportunities, vocational training, and recreational activities that supply meaningful engagement throughout the week. The population typically has access to library services, religious programming, and organized sports or exercise periods in designated areas. While visitation policies generally allow scheduled contact with approved family members and friends, communication options may also include monitored telephone access and correspondence services. Work assignments within the facility often include kitchen duties, maintenance tasks, and administrative support roles that help residents develop skills while contributing to facility operations.