Going to Prison for the First Time
When a family member goes to prison for the first time, it is a scary time for them and their family. There are so many questions, and you don’t know whom to ask. A TIFA chapter meeting can provide the needed answers and support, ESPECIALLY during the first year. We are here at the beginning of this journey to get you through, during the years, to help with the problems, and then to help you in the end with parole and reentry. TIFA offers a workshop for families new to the criminal justice system. Our New Family Orientation (NFO) workshop will guide you through the ins and outs of the TDCJ. The workshops dates are posted on the TIFA calendar.
JPay.com – send money and EMAIL! to your loved one
JPay is a fast and convenient way to transfer money to your loved ones. Funds can be sent to their commissary account through the Inmate Trust Fund in Huntsville, preferably with one of the deposit forms that can be picked up at the unit. However, if you are sending the same amount every month, you may want to take advantage of the bank draft form available from the Inmate Trust Fund. The benefit is that you don’t have to purchase a money order and then remember to get it in the mail each month. And, it goes without saying, that the loved one appreciates knowing that there is a set amount in his/her commissary account.
NOTE: JPay fees have gone up considerably since we first listed them here. It is much better to get the trust fund deposit slips and send one with a money order. There is no fee applied when you make deposits this way.
It is now possible to send your loved one an email through JPay. Unless you are sending a long letter, it will usually cost you only the amount of a stamp ($0.44). You will know how much it will cost before you hit send. You just buy “stamps” on the JPay website. It is easy, and your message will usually get there faster via JPay email than if you send it through the post office.
Transportation to some TDCJ units:
Texas Inmate Express Services (TIES) 214-330-8400
LJ Enterprises 773-259-2345