Stateville Reception

[jenplus2]

You are more than welcome... I am trying to "pay it forward" best I can. I know things seem hopeless and helpless right now, it does get easier... one day at a time. With the losing weight, I did the same thing. I decided to turn it into a positive, I was already losing (not healthy) from nerves, shock, depression... whatever you want to call it. Instead of continuing in that direction (or gaining it back), I started buying healthier foods and snacks. Even if I am not hungry at all for any reason I make myself eat something healthy, even if it's just a banana. I have noticed I have more energy and feel better. On the plus, plus side, my youngest daughter noticed me eating healthier and now she is following suit. She even went for a walk/jog up and down the block today (it was all her idea) and she's only 10. They really do pay attention to us, even when we think they aren't. If you ever need someone to talk to, I am always around.

[IloveDCfrombooneco]

So heres a new question, since he was brought in there Thursday morning, I am going to assume he won't be getting any exams or whatever they do in R&C now because its a weekend, I can't see the councelors to be there on a weekend, am I right or wrong? By the way what exactly takes place when they're in R&C does anyone know what hoops our loved ones have to jump through?

[hbmom]

DC...I am not sure about the exams of if the counslers are there on the weekends. Basically what they are doing in R&C is waiting! 
So try to send him some reading materials(magazines, paperback books and letters).

[jenplus2]

From what D has said in his letters, they go to yard for 1 hour, chow hall then basically sit in their cells the other 22 hours. I can't even begin to imagine the boredom they face (a lot of time to think). He says the letters and other materials are life savers and it gives him something to look forward to and do. I send jokes, short stories, puzzles, anything I can shove in an envelope that IS NOT considered contraband. He says they love getting pictures too... they can stare at them and daydream, .

[LStoney]

Hi Ladies
If you truly want a good description of what stateville receiving is like go to this link and read Exile Nation, by Charles Shaw.  www.realitysandwich.com/user/charles_shaw  It is an astonishing read, I couldn't stop reading it.  You have to select "chapter 1" on the right side of the page.  This author was in the IDOC and tells his tale.  This is the best book I have found on this topic.  It will make you sad, but it will open eyes to what our men really have to go through.  Also, there is a good video on UTube which shows the inside of Stateville, talks about reception and classification, and actually shows the inmates entering receiving.  

As far as mailing things to R&C, (I went through this last year, for 45 days) I have found that mailing priority packages, not boxes, soft envelope style, with maxinmum of 5 books (no hard cover) and a greeting card will get to him the fastest.  It goes through before simple letters in envelopes.  My man told me that when they see that cart coming, he felt like a kid at Christmas, and when he got something it was his only survival.  Keep sending, cause time stands still in there for them and it helps so much!!  You will get a postcard first and sometimes a letter if he can arrange to get a piece of paper from another cellie!  R&C is the hardest part and i am so sad my man has to go through this again.....court date pending 3-18....counting the days.

[jenplus2]

LStoney, do you remember what the video was called on youtube? I did a search and all kinds of things came up. I would like to see the one you are referring too.

[LStoney]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KCR4-tA6ZUI  I believe this is the one.  There are like 4 parts to the national geographic videos....search utube on Google Video search engine.

[jenplus2]

Thank you very much, I just found them and they are quite interesting. Do you know if there is anything on the web about any of the other prisons in Illinois?

[LStoney]

Not specifically, but the web is a HUGE bank of information, sometimes I spend hours just looking and searching for information.  I am now searching for information on Domestic Violence and Revocation of Parole and Parole Hearings, etc. If anyone has any good sites I am all ears.  My man has violated parole with only 4 months left due to an argument he & I were having and my neighbors called 911!!  I feel partially responsible in a way, but he break some furniture in anger.  I received a subpoena today in the mail to testify.  I was not wanting to testify as we live together and I love him and he is non violent.  Any one else in this situation please give advice.

[pac5401]

Got my VINE notification this morning. My son should be down in R&C now.  Glad to know that I can send stuff as soon as I get the number, so I'm going to address a bunch of envelopes and we'll see what he gets.

He will be heading to Boot Camp, if his infected ingrown toenail doesn't cause a problem.

And then I guess, the real countdown begins.

[sandraruiz]

Hi!
I'm new to this I realize this post is very old but I have a question hopefully someone can help. My friend is at NRC  and it says his parent institution was East Moline but under offender status it says temp resident. What does that mean?

[Marks_guy]

It could mean that he was temporarily transferred for a court date or other appearance.

[Still love my son]

 

WOW I had never seen the U-Tube video LINKS in this Thread VERY VERY interesting-

I also found a U-tube of Inmate artwork in IL I think it was being shown at an art fair by the John Howard Association.
Very interesting
Even a video of Orange Crush

[deedee34]

My husband has been in NRC/Stateville since last Tuesday. I haven't talked to him or anything and dont know how things work in IDOC......I sent him 3 letters and a Birthday Card since he's been there........I am so worried and dont know whats going on with him... I cant sleep or eat much of anything........

[TimeStandsStill]

Welcome to IPT deedee34!

This is the best place to come whether it is for information, support or to vent.  Things can be a bit overwhelming at first.  Here is a link to the TEN STEPS TO UNDERSTANDING IDOC PROCEDURES to get you started:

http://www.illinoisprisontalk.com/index.php/topic,1513.0.html

There is a ton of information so take your time and read through it.  If you can't find the answers to any of your questions, just ask.  Someone will be by shortly to answer......

[His Ryder]

My husband has been in NRC/Stateville since last Tuesday. I haven't talked to him or anything and dont know how things work in IDOC......I sent him 3 letters and a Birthday Card since he's been there........I am so worried and dont know whats going on with him... I cant sleep or eat much of anything........

My hubby been in NRC for 6 months now. I know NRC sucks. As far as mail to him they are backed up with mail by like 4 weeks so you know. You can call up there and talk to a counselor and find out his status if you know his number. That always helps. And you should get a postcard from him hopefully soon. Hang in there

[VonsWife5]

My hubby was just sent to stateville and he is in the northern reception center.. I haven't talked ta him in a week :( I wrote him because i finally got his id# off the idoc website i been crying My eyes Out. I miss him so much. He is waiting to go to boot camp.. so i was wondering how long is this going to take? when can he call or write me? If anybody can answer my questions it can be helpful for my situation i never been through this. So if you guys can i will appreciate it!

[Marks_guy]

  to IPT. The first thing you must do is stop, take a deep breath, and realize that this isn't the end of the world. It's hard to do right now, but you have joined a group of women and men who truly understand everything you are experiencing right now. We will be here to help you through this journey, whether with advice or a shoulder to cry on.

If you haven't found it yet, your next step should be our Ten Steps board. Here is the link:
http://www.illinoisprisontalk.com/index.php/topic,1513.0.html

For many people, the wait in R&C is somewhere around a month due to IDOC overcrowding. Those waiting for bootcamp usually take a little longer. It may not seem like it right now, but you have an amazing opportunity at hand. If he can tough it out, you only have 180 days before he comes home to you! If nothing else helps, hang on to that thought!

[VonsWife5]

I just got 2 letterS from him yesturday dat just brighten up my whole day :) I was so glad to hear from him. Thanks for tha understanding and support!

[1inalifetime]

Hello everyone just a few questions..My husband is in stateville reception I know he cant write or anything so what are the restrictions on puzzles,books etc..