1990s – How we started

The origin of the Vienna Family Network dates back to the early 90s. A group of British mothers (and mothers-to-be) living in Vienna decided to start meeting-up regularly at their homes in order to support each other through the challenges of being a parent in a foreign country.

Taking inspiration from the National Childbirth Trust, a British membership charity dealing with pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood, they founded what was initially called “Vienna Childbirth Trust” later renamed as Vienna Babies Club (VBC).

2002 – The forming of a community

In 2002 the members totaled only 35 and were organized into one single group. However, when the first website was launched, membership exploded, and groups began to be created based on birth months, residential districts, languages or common interests/hobbies.

2009 – Becoming a Verein

In 2009 the Vienna Babies Club was officially registered under Austrian law as a non-profit organization (Verein) with the purpose of providing “resources and an English-speaking support network for moms from abroad, especially during pregnancy and the first years of their children’s lives”.

2015 – From baby groups to family offerings

In 2015 many core changes were implemented: the membership was opened to parents with children older than 18 months and more attention was given to fathers and to the family as a whole. New groups were created for toddlers, pre-school and school children, and many new events were organized to meet the interests of all family members in all different aspects of life (school, work, parenting, personal development).

At this time, new partnerships were also created. The organization began cooperating with institutions, associations and businesses, leading to a wider offering of events and activities, raising the quality of the services offered and increasing the benefits to its members.

2017 – VBC becomes Vienna Family Network (VFN)

In 2017 VBC was able to reach out to more and more people through social networking sites. A newly created public Facebook page and Instagram profile allowed VBC to become more visible, while a supportive and informative Facebook members’ group provided a forum for members to interact online.

The name “Vienna Babies Club” no longer aligned with the identity of an organization that had evolved so dramatically, broadening its scope and services almost beyond recognition. Therefore, in 2017 the Verein was officially renamed Vienna Family Network.

Membership has been steadily growing in the last years.

Whilst VFN has evolved continuously, still it remains the “Vienna Family” of many international parents living in Vienna: a safe harbor in a foreign country; a point of reference to get information in English; a place to meet fellow parents, share experiences and develop life-lasting friendships.