How We Work
Our story, our vision and mission, our values: Every step of our work aims to open up opportunities for children and young people and to nurture their talents.
Our Story
In the summer of 2018, the idea first emerged in Vienna to offer free educational opportunities for children and young people in the form of regular leisure courses. Founder Rosa Bergmann gained teaching experience in a Viennese middle school through the Teach for Austria leadership program and noticed students who were bored in their free time — young people who returned from holidays without exciting experiences, or who were excluded from costly leisure activities. Together with her four co-founders, she made it her mission to reduce educational inequality in the afternoons through free and accessible courses. Just six months later, they launched the first pilot phase in Vienna-Favoriten with seven courses and around 100 young participants.
Today, Hobby Lobby operates in 16 locations across Austria, Germany, and Romania. The successful concept has already received numerous national and international awards. More than 500 volunteer instructors have been involved so far, enthusiastically passing on their knowledge and skills to children and young people.
Our Milestones
The idea is born
In the summer of 2018, the idea of offering free leisure courses for children and young people first emerged.
First pilot phase launched – around 100 children in Vienna-Favoriten
In March 2019, the first pilot phase began in Vienna-Favoriten, reaching around 100 children. Over the course of the year, the first fixed course structure was developed.
Organization established
Since June 2020, Vienna Hobby Lobby has been a registered organization of its own.
New locations open, Youth Leaders program begins
Systematic expansion to multiple sites begins. New Vienna locations open in the 20th, 3rd, and 16th districts. The Youth Leaders Program enters its pilot phase.
Expansion to Austrian provinces, SozialMarie Award, “Wirksam Wachsen” program
Hobby Lobby expands across Austria, opening new locations in Mödling and Innsbruck. It receives the SozialMarie Award (European Prize for Social Innovation). The “Wirksam Wachsen” funding program from the Ministry of Social Affairs also begins, supporting further professionalization and scaling.
Further scaling – new sites in Graz, Salzburg, and Vienna’s 21st district
A new location opens in Graz in cooperation with LebensGroß. In Vienna, Hobby Lobby expands to the 21st district, and by the winter semester, Salzburg gains its own branch.
International expansion – Rostock, Romania, Linz; SROI study: €1 = €21.27 in social value
In April, the first international location opens in Rostock, Germany; in October, Romania follows. Linz also joins the network. A Social Return on Investment (SROI) study by the Vienna University of Economics and Business shows: every euro invested in Hobby Lobby generates €21.27 in social value.
Over 10,000 course places achieved, primary schools integrated, received VSE Label
By early 2025, more than 10,000 course places had been made available for children and young people from socioeconomically disadvantaged families. The course offering expands to include primary schools. Hobby Lobby receives the Verified Social Enterprise (VSE) Label, and new locations open in Dornbirn and the Graz region.
Our Awards
Hobby Lobby’s commitment to equal opportunities and educational fairness is reflected not only in its daily work but is also regularly recognized through prestigious awards and honors.
Since August 2025, Hobby Lobby has carried the Verified Social Enterprise (VSE) Label. It is awarded by the Federal Ministry for Economy, Energy, and Tourism and serves as both a recognition and a quality certification for key actors driving social and societal change — as well as for economic and sustainable innovation.
Vision and Mission
Vision:
A world where education takes place anytime and anywhere.
Mission:
Meaningful leisure activities should not be a privilege — we offer free, accessible programs focused on physical and mental health.
Our Values
Openness
Hobby Lobby’s doors are open to everyone.
Enthusiasm
Learning is born from enthusiasm.
Appreciation
We meet each other as equals.
Unfolding potential
Children and young people discover and fulfill their potential.
Responsibility
We trust everyone to take responsibility and grow beyond themselves.
Our Child Protection Concept
Child protection is our highest priority! Hobby Lobby’s Child and Youth Protection Policy defines our principles and measures to safeguard all participating children and young people.
All staff members are committed to the child protection guidelines. The well-being and safety of children and young people come first for Hobby Lobby.
