Empower Your Future

Empowering Communities Through Practical Education

At The Home Economy Project Inc., we believe that everyone has the potential to create a better future.

We are a nonprofit based in Greeley, CO, dedicated to providing individuals and families with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. Our programs focus on practical skills, food security, and resource sustainability, aiming to create lasting economic resilience. Join us in building stronger foundations for a better life.
Empower Your Future Frequently Asked
Donations Partnership

Our Mission

Empowering Communities Through Practical Knowledge

Our mission is to strengthen our community by teaching practical skills in food security, home economics, and basic business development, empowering individuals and families to become more stable, self-sufficient, and resilient.

Our Vision

Stronger Families. Stronger Communities.

We envision communities where individuals and families have access to the practical skills, resources, and opportunities needed to create lasting stability, reduce financial stress, and build brighter futures.

Why Choose The Home Economy Project?

Discover the benefits of partnering with us for a better future.

Community Development

We foster growth through collective support and shared resources.

Educational Programs

Our programs address community needs, ensuring relevant knowledge.

Focus on Sustainability

We prioritize sustainable practices for food security and economic resilience.

Program Philosophy

1. Dignity

Respecting every participant and their unique circumstances.

2. Self-Sufficiency

Helping individuals develop confidence and independence.

3. Responsible Resource Management

Teaching practical ways to maximize available resources.

4. Problem Solving

Providing tools and strategies for everyday challenges.

5. Community Resilience

Creating stronger communities through shared knowledge.

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.

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions about our mission and programs.

What is The Home Economy Project?

The Home Economy Project is a nonprofit helping individuals and families build strong foundations through education, community support, and essential skill development.

What types of programs do you offer?

We offer programs in practical skills, food security, household management, and workforce development to support economic resilience.

Where is The Home Economy Project located?

We are located in Greeley, Colorado, serving the community and surrounding areas.

How can I get involved?

You can get involved by volunteering, donating, or participating in our programs. Contact us for more information!

Who can benefit from your programs?

Our programs are designed for individuals and families seeking to improve their skills, knowledge, and economic circumstances.

How can I contact The Home Economy Project?

You can reach us at 720-548-7830 or email maralea@TheHomeEconomyProject.org for assistance.

Volunteer & Job Opportunities

Founding Board Of Directors

Need: 3 - 9 members

Timeline: immediately

The Home Economy Project is seeking founding Board members to help build a mission-driven nonprofit organization focused on practical self-sufficiency, life skills education, workforce readiness, food security, home economics, and community resilience.

We are currently in the organizational formation stage and are assembling a thoughtful, ethical, and professionally minded founding Board of Directors prior to formal 501(c)(3) filing.

Our goal is to create an organization that provides practical education and community-centered programming in areas such as:

  • home economics and financial literacy,

  • practical life skills,

  • food systems and food security,

  • workforce readiness,

  • project-based learning,

  • micro-business and entrepreneurial development,

  • operational self-sufficiency,

  • and community resilience.

We are intentionally building a governance-focused organization with strong ethical standards, long-term sustainability planning, and mission-centered leadership.

We are currently seeking individuals with experience or professional background in areas such as:

  • nonprofit governance,

  • finance,

  • bookkeeping or accounting,

  • education or instructional design,

  • project or operations management,

  • legal or regulatory knowledge,

  • community engagement,

  • workforce development,

  • agriculture or food systems,

  • fundraising or grant writing,

  • organizational leadership,

  • strategic planning,

  • compliance,

  • administration,

  • or related professional experience.

Prior nonprofit Board experience is welcome but not required. We are particularly interested in individuals who value:

  • practical problem solving,

  • ethical leadership,

  • long-term organizational sustainability,

  • collaborative governance,

  • respectful communication,

  • and mission-focused community impact.
This is an opportunity to help shape an organization from the ground up during its foundational stage. We are particularly interested in individuals who value collaborative problem solving, respectful discussion, thoughtful compromise, and team-oriented leadership.

The Home Economy Project is currently being formed in Weld County, Colorado and intends to pursue federal 501(c)(3) nonprofit status following founding Board development and governance review.

Individuals interested in learning more are encouraged to respond with a letter that includes:

  • a brief introduction

  • relevant background or experience

  • areas of interest

  • why The Home Economy Project resonates for you

Connect With Us

We welcome thoughtful conversations with individuals who are interested in helping build a practical, community-centered organization designed for long-term impact and sustainability.  
First & Last Name E-mail Phone Message Upload Your CV
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Founding Community Engagement & Events Volunteer

The Home Economy Project

Greeley, Colorado (Hybrid/Flexible)

About Us

The Home Economy Project is a newly established Colorado nonprofit organization focused on practical life skills, food security, household resilience, and community education. Our mission centers on helping individuals and families build sustainable, practical skills through hands-on learning, educational programming, and community engagement.

We are currently building our founding volunteer leadership team and are seeking a Community Engagement & Events Volunteer to help support the organization’s early public programming and community outreach efforts.

Role Overview

This is an early-stage volunteer leadership opportunity ideal for someone who enjoys organizing people, supporting community events, building relationships, and helping meaningful projects come to life.

The selected volunteer will assist with organizing community meetings, volunteer interest sessions, educational workshops, and other public-facing activities as the organization grows. This role will work collaboratively with organizational leadership and communications volunteers to help create welcoming, organized, and successful community events.

This role offers meaningful real-world experience helping build a mission-driven nonprofit organization from the ground up.

What You’ll Gain

  • Real-world nonprofit startup experience

  • Leadership and organizational development experience

  • Community networking opportunities

  • Event coordination and volunteer management experience

  • The opportunity to help shape a mission-driven organization during its foundational stage

Location

Greeley, Colorado area preferred. This position is remote; however, occasional in-person meetings and event participation would be expected.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Assist with planning and coordinating community events and volunteer gatherings

  • Help identify and coordinate event locations, scheduling, and logistics

  • Assist with volunteer recruitment, communication, and event attendance coordination

  • Help create welcoming and organized community experiences

  • Coordinate with communications volunteers regarding event promotion and outreach

  • Assist with setup, organization, and general support during events

  • Help gather community feedback and support ongoing engagement efforts

Preferred Qualifications

  • Interest in community engagement, nonprofit work, volunteer coordination, event planning, hospitality, education, or public service

  • Strong organizational and communication skills

  • Reliability and attention to detail

  • Comfortable interacting with community members and volunteers

  • Ability to work collaboratively in a developing startup-style environment

  • Passion for practical education, community resilience, and helping others

Time Commitment

Flexible. Approximately 3–8 hours per week initially, with occasional additional time during events or community activities.

To Apply

Please send a brief introduction describing your background, interests, and why this opportunity interests you.

Connect With Us

We welcome thoughtful conversations with individuals who are interested in helping build a practical, community-centered organization designed for long-term impact and sustainability.  
First & Last Name E-mail Phone Message Upload Your CV
Choose file
Submit