TDCJ - Sanders Estes Unit (VS)

You can support your loved ones at Estes Unit on InmateAid, if you have any immediate questions contact the facility directly at 972-366-3334.

Located at 1100 Hwy 1807 in Venus, TX, Estes Unit carefully assigns inmates based on their custody level, considering factors like criminal history. Estes Unit offers diverse educational and vocational programs aimed at equipping offenders for successful reintegration into society and reducing recidivism. Through these initiatives, inmates gain skills and confidence, fostering personal growth and resilience.

When someone you care about ends up in a state prison, it can be tough to navigate the ins and outs of the system. From figuring out how to stay in touch to understanding what you can do to make their time easier, it can feel overwhelming. That's where this webpage comes in handy. It's here to help you get the lowdown on TDCJ - Sanders Estes Unit (VS) so you can stay connected and support your loved one during their time inside.

Communication is important, the prison offers a phone program for outbound calls only, with inmates unable to receive incoming calls. Accepting collect calls can be expensive, sometimes exceeding $10 per call. Click here for discounts on inmate calls, especially if the communication with your inmate is frequent. It's important to remember that all phone calls are recorded, and discussing sensitive legal matters over these lines is discouraged.

While incarcerated, reading is often the best use of time. Please note that books and magazines, puzzles, and word searches ordered for inmates must come directly from the publisher. This policy ensures that the items are new, untampered, and comply with the facility's regulations. Prisons and jails enforce this rule to prevent the introduction of contraband or prohibited materials. By restricting orders to publishers, the facility can better maintain security and control over the content entering the institution. Any books or magazines not received directly from the publisher will be rejected and not delivered to the inmate. You may, however, send letters and selfies to inmates with this easy-to-use app, packages starting at only $8.00.

The Estes Unit, designed for male inmates, has a capacity of 1,040 individuals and houses custody levels G1 and G2. Situated on approximately 40 acres, this facility does not engage in agricultural operations or manufacturing and logistics activities. Instead, it prioritizes unit maintenance to ensure a conducive environment for rehabilitation.

Medical services at the Estes Unit include ambulatory medical and dental care, managed by UTMB. In terms of education, inmates have access to adult basic education, GED programs, and life skills training. Vocational programs offered encompass building trades, electrical trades, food service, culinary arts, computer technology, and commercial housekeeping, providing valuable skills for reintegration into society.

In addition to educational opportunities, the Estes Unit provides various programs and services to support inmates' holistic development. These include a faith-based dormitory and the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) initiative, promoting empathy and responsibility through interaction with animals.

Community engagement is a priority, with the facility actively participating in community work projects that serve city and county agencies. Volunteer initiatives further enhance rehabilitation efforts, covering substance abuse education, support groups, pre-release programs, and religious or faith-based studies and activities. These initiatives foster personal growth, self-awareness, and a sense of responsibility among inmates, contributing to their successful reintegration into society upon release.