Maralea Norden (She/Her)

CEO & Executive Director

Maralea Norden serves as the CEO and Executive Director of The
Home Economy Project. Her professional background includes
business administration, legal studies, operations management,
education, small business development, and nonprofit leadership.
The Home Economy Project grew out of years of listening to the
practical questions people were asking—not just young adults
beginning independent lives, but individuals and families of all ages
struggling with everyday challenges. Questions about budgeting, food
preparation, employment, housing, household management, and
financial stability revealed a gap between crisis services and long-term self-sufficiency.

Rather than creating another organization that duplicated existing
services, Maralea founded The Home Economy Project to teach
practical skills that help individuals and families build lasting stability.
She believes communities become stronger when people have the
knowledge, confidence, and opportunity to create successful
households, meaningful employment, and sustainable local economies.

One of Maralea’s core leadership philosophies is that a nonprofit
should never depend on one individual. From its earliest days, The
Home Economy Project has been intentionally built around strong
governance, documented systems, financial accountability, and
community partnerships so the organization can continue serving
future generations regardless of who holds leadership positions.
Her goal is not to build an organization around herself, but to build an
organization that outlives her.

Cynthia Treffer (She/Her)

Founding Treasurer and Administrative Support Volunteer

Cynthia Treffer serves as the Treasurer and Administrative Support Volunteer for The Home Economy Project. Her professional background includes business administration, bookkeeping, human resources, and small business management. This is her first leadership position in a non-profit organization.

When approached with the opportunity to help develop The Home Economy Project, Cynthia felt called to give back to the community that has given her invaluable support and guidance over the years. She used the skills she was taught and the resources she received while living in Larimer County to become self-sufficient over the last 17 years, all while raising two children as a single mom. What matters the most to her is connecting with as many people as possible and sharing tools and education to help them empower their own lives, as long as they come with an open heart and mind. Cynthia knows through experience that it takes a village to succeed, and she hopes that the residents of Weld County will allow her and the rest of The Home Economy Project to be a part of theirs.

Lawrence Koebernik

Community Outreach Coordinator

Lawrence Koebernik serves as the Community Outreach Coordinator for The Home Economy Project. He brings experience in recruitment, community outreach, organizational development, leadership, and public service. Professionally, Lawrence works as a Regional Recruitment Specialist, connecting individuals with career opportunities, developing community partnerships, coordinating outreach and hiring events, and helping applicants navigate the employment process. He also brings more than five years of law enforcement experience and over a decade of military service.

Through his experience in law enforcement and public service, Lawrence has seen how a lack of resources, opportunities, and support can have lasting effects on people's lives and futures. He believes that connecting people with the right resources and opportunities before they reach a point of crisis can make a meaningful difference. At The Home Economy Project, Lawrence hopes to use his experience to expand the organization's presence in the community, develop lasting partnerships, and help connect individuals and families with resources that support greater stability and self-sufficiency.

Jaiden Hitchcock (He/They)

Founding Secretary and Volunteer Communications Coordinator

Jaiden Hitchcock serves as the Secretary and Volunteer Communications Coordinator at The Home Economy Project. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Positive Psychology, and now spends his free time reading, playing board games with his husband, or snuggling with his eclectic family of adopted pets. This is his first leadership position at a non-profit organization.

Jaiden is very excited to build the foundation of an organization that he believes will help his community in a number of valuable ways. He knows how vital both education and support are to success, and is passionate about creating a space where everyone can learn and grow together. Nothing, including background, identity, or ability, should stand in the way of equal access to resources that allow people to thrive. Jaiden believes that anyone can achieve their goals of stability and resilience with the right people and resources to help them get there.