How do I speak with an inmate besides putting money on the account? How do he know I’m reaching out?

There are limited ways to "speak to an inmate". The obvious ways are with the telephone, but the inmate must initiate the call. For them to do that, there needs to be an account set up somewhere. Visitation is another way. Writing letters is another way to communicate. All of these methods are going to have some costs associated, unfortunately. Getting locked up is more expensive to the friends and family on the outside than for the inmate on the inside. InmateAid is doing it's part since 2012 keeping these costs at a minimum.