At Richtungswechsel, we place great emphasis on a holistic approach in our work. Therefore, we maintain exchanges with various Austrian organizations that excel in the areas of resocialization, restorative justice, and crime prevention.
On the following page, you will find references to these impressive organizations. These references do not represent formal partnerships but provide a platform to showcase and connect outstanding initiatives from Austria. In this way, we aim to highlight and support the exceptional work of these organizations.
PHÖNIX – Training for Life is a nonprofit organisation that supports people in the prison system by using sports as a means for rehabilitation and reintegration into society. Through sports, life skills are taught that benefit participants even after their release. The aim is to promote the process of reintegration, reduce the likelihood of reoffending, and create new opportunities.
Das Katholische Bildungswerk Kärnten (KBW) is a state-recognized and certified adult education institution in the field of general, non-formal, and informal education. Adult education is needs-oriented and holistic. KBW Carinthia represents a humanistic understanding of tolerance and advocates for unrestricted access to education as a fundamental right—regardless of gender, age, social status, cultural background, disability, language, or religion.
In summer 2021, Catch’n Serve Ball Austria began offering training sessions at the Schwarzau women’s prison, the only women’s prison in Austria. This facility houses women who have experienced severe violent circumstances, some of whom are serving life sentences.
For the first introductory session, the incarcerated women were exceptionally allowed to participate together in the Catch’n Serve Ball training (then still known as Mamanet) in the courtyard. Such a gathering was unusual, as the women are usually only granted yard access by floor. With the aim of reaching mothers and women’s groups who have limited access to sports, the target group in Schwarzau was particularly interesting for Catch’n Serve Ball. The women at Schwarzau also expressed great interest. This type of movement and social offering was new and eagerly welcomed—not only as a chance to exercise but also as a social meeting place in various respects.
“After the first sessions, we tried to narrow down the participants to those women who volunteered. The involvement of the responsible prison officer was crucial here. His efforts and internal communication with the interested women and the trainers from Catch’n Serve Ball were essential for the project’s success. The goal was to provide local training and promote social (re)integration within a Vienna-based association.” said Elisabeth Speiser-Havel, Secretary-General of Catch’n Serve Ball Austria. “As always, success depends on the individuals involved as well as the available resources. Catch’n Serve Ball Austria is certainly prepared to continue, preferably in collaboration with Richtungswechsel, a fantastic and important organization.“
RICHTUNGSWECHSEL - PLATFORM
We are connecting Austrian organisations focusing on the penal system, its reform, and the societal logic of penology.
Are you or your organisation interested in joining or learning more?
