Western Correctional Center for Women is a correctional facility in Black Mountain, North Carolina, that houses female inmates in minimum custody. The facility, which opened on July 7, 2008, has a capacity of 366 offenders. Western Correctional Center for Women is one of five correctional facilities in North Carolina that were renamed in 2021. Formerly known as Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women, the facility’s name was changed on October 4, 2021.
The facility offers a variety of educational and vocational programs to help offenders prepare for their reentry into society. Offenders can participate in programs such as adult basic education, vocational training, and substance abuse treatment. Western Correctional Center for Women also offers mental health services, medical care, and dental care to offenders. The facility’s staff includes correctional officers, counselors, teachers, and medical professionals who work together to provide a safe and secure environment for offenders.
| Security | Minimum |
| Capacity | 366 |
| Physical Address | 55 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711 |
| Mailing Address | P.O. Box 247 Phoenix, MD 21131 |
| Can You Send a Gift? | No |
| Dress Code | Yes |
| Phone Number | 828-259-6000 |
| Jurisdiction | State |
Overview
Western Correctional Center for Women is a facility located in Black Mountain, NC, managed by the Department of Public Safety. The facility is under the supervision of the Commissioner of Prisons and is designed to house female offenders in minimum custody. The facility is also capable of housing offenders in close custody.
Location
The facility is situated at 55 Lake Eden Road, Black Mountain, NC 28711. The location is in Buncombe County, and it is accessible by road.
Facility Type
The Western Correctional Center for Women is a facility designed to house female offenders in minimum custody. The facility is also capable of housing offenders in close-custody. The facility provides a variety of educational and vocational programs to help offenders reintegrate into society.
History
The Western Correctional Center for Women is part of the North Carolina prison system, which has a long history of providing correctional services to offenders. The facility has undergone several changes over the years, including a change of name from Swannanoa Correctional Center for Women to Western Correctional Center for Women in 2021. The facility has also been recommended for “Gold Standard” accreditation by the American Correctional Association.
In summary, the Western Correctional Center for Women is a facility located in Black Mountain, NC, designed to house female offenders in minimum custody. It is part of the North Carolina prison system and has a long history of providing correctional services to offenders. The facility provides a variety of educational and vocational programs to help offenders reintegrate into society.
Facilities
Western Correctional Center for Women is a minimum custody facility that houses female offenders. The facility has a capacity of 366 inmates and offers a variety of educational and vocational programs. In this section, we will take a closer look at the different facilities available at Western Correctional Center for Women.
Dormitories
The facility has several dormitories that house the inmates. Each dormitory is designed to accommodate a specific number of inmates. The dormitories are furnished with bunk beds, lockers, and tables. The inmates are responsible for keeping their living quarters clean and tidy.
Buchanan Building
The Buchanan Building is where the inmates go to receive their meals. The building is equipped with a kitchen, dining hall, and storage area. The kitchen staff prepares three meals a day for the inmates. The dining hall is spacious and can accommodate all the inmates at once.
Medical Wing
The medical wing is where the inmates receive medical care. The medical staff is available around the clock to attend to the inmates’ medical needs. The medical wing is equipped with an examination room, pharmacy, and isolation room.
Vocation Building
The Vocation Building is where the inmates go to learn a trade. The facility offers vocational training in several fields, including cosmetology, culinary arts, and horticulture. The inmates receive hands-on training and can earn a certificate upon completion of the program.
Educational Classroom
The educational classroom is where the inmates go to receive academic instruction. The facility offers classes in basic literacy, GED preparation, and college courses. The inmates have access to textbooks, computers, and other learning resources.
Operating Greenhouse
The operating greenhouse is where the inmates go to learn about horticulture. The facility has a greenhouse where the inmates can grow plants and vegetables. The inmates learn about plant propagation, pest control, and soil management. The produce grown in the greenhouse is used in the facility’s kitchen.
In conclusion, Western Correctional Center for Women offers several facilities that cater to the inmates’ needs. The facility provides a safe and secure environment for the inmates to learn and grow. The different facilities available at the facility help the inmates acquire skills that they can use to build a better future.
Programs and Services
Western Correctional Center for Women offers a range of programs and services to help inmates prepare for life after release. These programs and services are designed to provide inmates with education, job training, and other skills that they can use to become productive members of society.
Vocational Programs
The center offers vocational programs that teach inmates valuable skills that they can use to find employment after release. These programs include cosmetology, horticulture, and culinary arts. Inmates can earn certifications in these fields, which can help them find work upon release.
Education
The center offers educational programs that provide inmates with the opportunity to earn their GEDs. Inmates can also take college-level courses through the North Carolina Community College System. These courses are designed to help inmates develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.
Volunteer Programs
The center offers a range of volunteer programs that allow inmates to give back to their communities. These programs include working with local charities, participating in community service projects, and mentoring at-risk youth.
Ministry of Hope
The Ministry of Hope is a faith-based program that offers inmates spiritual guidance and support. The program provides inmates with access to chaplains, religious services, and other resources that can help them develop a deeper connection with their faith.
Employment
The center offers job placement services to help inmates find employment upon release. Inmates can work with job counselors to develop resumes, practice job interviews, and identify job opportunities in their field of interest.
Community Service
The center offers community service programs that allow inmates to give back to their communities. These programs include working with local charities, participating in community service projects, and mentoring at-risk youth.
Overall, Western Correctional Center for Women provides a range of programs and services that help inmates prepare for life after release. These programs are designed to provide inmates with the skills and resources they need to become productive members of society.
Visitation and Mail
For information about visitation call 828-259-6000 or check here.
Text Behind processes all mail sent to offenders in North Carolina prisons. Offenders receive copies of mail, not the original paper. This helps reduce the volume of drugs and contraband entering prisons. TextBehind also offers an app for people who are comfortable submitting letters by smartphone or computer and uploading photos to send.
As of March 9, 2022, materials for religious correspondence courses, including sacred texts, cannot be sent through TextBehind. If the course and materials have been pre-approved, then ship them to the offender directly to the prison, not through TextBehind.
All offender mail should be addressed to TextBehind’s facility in Maryland in this manner:
- Name and Opus Number
- Name of Prison (do not abbreviate)
- P.O. Box 247
- Phoenix, MD 21131