Texas Inmate Ministry, Support and Advocacy

05/25/2026

Vending Machine Issues

If you have issues with the vending machines while at visitation, such as taking your money, charging you but not dispensing product and you are unable to reach the vending machine provider, this link from the TDCJ website gives you information on how to escalate the matter.

This does not pertain to “holds” on your credit card/debit card. When you use a credit card or debit card on the machines, the system the vending machine vendors use will place a temporary hold on your credit card or debit card. That should drop off after a short period of time. If it does not, contact your financial institution to confirm if it is a HOLD or CHARGE. Then go from there.

I recommend using the Walmart money card as it will not do the hold and will deduct as you make a purchase.

Home page for the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

05/20/2026

Celebrate those parole wins, regardless of which FI your loved one gets.

Parole is a privilege not a right. This is how every state DOC& TDCJ view parole. It has to be earned. And not everyone earns that privilege.

Checking that parole status and seeing APPROVED is a time to celebrate the accomplishments your loved one made.

Prison has many temptations, many opportunities for things to go wrong and is not a desirable place to be. Having a loved one that stays focused, minimal cases, and who dedicates his/her time to their rehabilitative efforts is something worth celebrating whether they are approved or denied for parole. The dedication is real and the accomplishments should not go without acknowledgement.

We all want an FI-1 because it means home ASAP. But sometimes we get the delays with required programs. I think of delays as a message from God. He is delaying you for a reason. We may never know that reason. But the reason is there. It could be to prevent something tragic from happening or a million other things. I look at it as less time “on paper”

As someone near and dear to me made parole here recently we were taken aback by the program requirement. It was an unforeseen delay. But regardless they are on their way home. And it is a reason to celebrate. What I’ve learned from my loved one is that the classes taken on the tablet through the ITP program, the Edovo classes and classes at the unit level they all play a pivotal role in retraining their brain. These classes on the tablet were a key component in turning a no into a yes. That being said, we know this short program we have to face is a bump in the road and the program will only help redirect and prepare for the family reunification.

I say this with my whole chest, celebrate the win. Trust the process. Stay grounded in your faith, and have patience. Patience is key to reunification. ❤️

05/17/2026

During the TDCJ summit we got to meet some wonderful members and it was a pleasure to meet and chat! You all are amazing!

05/16/2026

THE TDCJ BOOK PORTAL - ETA June 2026

We will soon be required to log the books we purchase for our loved ones. There will be a grace period (to be determined) during the rollout.

After the portal is rolled out we MUST log the books we order.

05/16/2026

Commissary spend cycles

05/16/2026

Commissary Items : some of these are new for women

05/16/2026

Individualized Treatment Plans

These are managed on their tablets. They have access to this information for 2 years post release. The programs will be parole approved programs and treatment programs. The approved programs will be on the ITP. The list will soon be added to the website.

They can now request to take programs through the ITP program.

05/16/2026

From the parole panel at the summit!

PAROLE PACKETS

The TXBPP prefers parole packets created from the heart. They do not like manufactured packets and can tell by the templates and themes used.

Even if you have an attorney , they prefer ones created by the incarcerated or their family.

ONLY ATTORNEYS should be charging for parole packets as it’s a form of representation !

05/14/2026

Hospitality House Huntsville is in need of donations. If you can help, please consider doing so!

We are critically low/completely out of some necessities. This is our most updated list. Thank you to everyone who helps support Hospitality House

05/11/2026

The TDCJ has a Visitation Survey, which will help improve the visitation experience.

We have verified with Britteny from Office of Family Services that this is a TDCJ survey and it is actively being used to help correct any notated issues.

We encourage ALL Families to complete the survey whether you had issues or a great visit. It helps the TDCJ see know what’s working and what’s not working.

It takes less than 5 minutes to complete!!