This dedicated association has set itself the task of supporting offenders in their resocialization and vocational training in prison. Through their valuable work, they are working to holistically address the opportunities for successful integration.

“Richtungswechsel” is still a relatively young initiative that is currently starting its operational field work. In the two years up to spring 2024, the main focus has been on international networking and coordination with numerous other NGOs that are already carrying out similar work in other countries.

Founder, chairwoman and managing director Tamara Höfer does her job with a great deal of practical experience and professionalism. She was a prison officer in Manchester and works for the UN on several scientific projects relating to the prison system. She has already been involved in several formal training programs for prison staff and management.

“Change of direction” aims to promote personal initiative

In Austria, the “Neustart” association has already been established throughout the country to support former prisoners. With its LENNY project, Richtungswechsel wants to take a close look at the personal reasons why (formerly) incarcerated people make use of support or do not make use of it. The aim is definitely to promote personal initiative and the integration of (formerly) incarcerated people’s perspectives into their support. To this end, offboarding from prison and onboarding for the time afterwards is essential. “Richtungswechsel” also exchanges information intensively with international institutions that have similar programs for reintegration.

Helpful mentoring group

One aim of the project is to form a mentor group made up of former prisoners who have been successfully accompanied into the time afterwards. These people have a deep insight into the personalities of prisoners and can assess very well which support measures will be helpful and which will not. At the same time, this group should also ensure sustainability. After all, the coaches’ limited resources must be used efficiently.

The international benchmark with similar initiatives is always important in order to exchange methods. There are some exciting international stories. One example is Jhody Polk from the USA, who acquired a great deal of legal knowledge in prison. She became known as the “Jailhouse Lawyer” and tried to train other prisoners as “legal advisors”. This was due to the fact that many prisoners did not understand the legal aspects of their own cases. Even after her imprisonment, Jhody Polk continues to lead this initiative and is a network partner of “Richtungswechsel”.

Support from Kremsmueller For Life

This project – LENNY is starting selectively, but aims to be active throughout Austria. Thanks to the support of Kremsmueller For Life, the association is able to offer four workshops and one event. Two of the workshops have already taken place, while the other three events are being planned for December and the new year. These initiatives teach participants how to integrate former prisoners by changing their perspective.
This is very valuable work by the “Richtungswechsel” association, which promotes sustainability in the re-entry process and is therefore exactly what the Kremsmueller social project Kremsmueller For Life aims to achieve.