Preparing for Our Next Chapter: The Story of Money Tree

Did you know Cypress has a mascot—and it’s not a Cypress tree? It’s actually a Money Tree (Pachira Aquatica) that once lived in the corner of our downtown Oakland office, basking in natural light and thriving quietly in the background as the idea of Cypress was born. Over time, we came to see her as a symbol of good luck—our silent partner in sustaining the early growth of our seedling nonprofit.

In March 2020, when the world shut down and we all sheltered in place, we had no idea how long we’d be separated from our leafy companion. Yet somehow, through the care of our dear friend Gail—who continued to visit the office periodically—the Money Tree endured.

Months later, change came knocking again. We got the call: it was time to leave our Oakland office, and Money Tree needed a new home. She was gently loaded into a moving truck and relocated to our Program Director Brooke’s apartment. Then, a year later, when Brooke moved, she traveled once more—25 miles through the Caldecott Tunnel—to my home.

I’ll be honest: the pressure was real. Money Tree wasn’t just a plant. She was a beloved member of our team—and, in our eyes, the keeper of our financial fortune. And me? I’m a self-proclaimed plant killer.

At first, she thrived in my bedroom—tall, reedy, stretching toward the ceiling. But then, the thing I feared most happened. Her leaves began to yellow and drop. I tried everything—adjusting water levels, wiping her leaves, playing music, even reading her bedtime stories. Nothing worked. Her decline was steady and heartbreaking.

Last month, out of options and out of hope, I confessed to the team that she might not make it. I floated the idea of a bold move: pruning her down completely and hoping for a fresh start.

As always, our team rallied. Within hours, I was flooded with encouragement—YouTube videos, plant care articles, book recommendations, and heartfelt cheerleading. That weekend, I took a deep breath, gave Money Tree one last pep talk, and cut her back—hard. The sensation of the shears snapping through her branches felt like cutting into something sacred.

And then... we waited.

Y’ALL—three weeks later, I spotted something miraculous: new growth. Tiny green shoots pushing through. Against all odds, Money Tree was making a comeback.

She is, without a doubt, the perfect mascot for Cypress: strong, resilient, and capable of thriving through adversity. Her journey mirrors our own—weathering uncertainty, enduring big transitions, and still finding a way to grow.

As we look ahead to another challenging year, this story feels more meaningful than ever. Unexpected hardships will always come—moves, changes, ceilings we never saw coming. That’s why we do what we do: helping our communities build the confidence and resilience to face whatever comes next.

Because when we show up for one another—with patience, care, and belief in new beginnings—growth is always possible, even in the toughest conditions.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We hope you’ll continue to support us as we prepare for our next chapter—and celebrate all the new growth still to come.

Behold...money tree in all her glory!