St. HOPE: Home

Long before he took center stage at the Guild Theater, Dru Burks was one of St. HOPE’s first students. Enrolled in the organization’s original summer program back in 1989, Dru’s connection to St. HOPE runs deep—so much so that he often says it’s “in his blood.” Today, he’s helping shape that same community, now as the Guild Theater Manager, a role he officially stepped into in 2018.

This month, we celebrate the birthday of Mother Rose (April 7), a beloved figure whose vision and resilience helped shape Underground Books into the cultural cornerstone it is today. Mother Rose believed in the power of literacy to transform lives. Her mission was never just about selling books, but about creating access—especially for those whose stories have often been overlooked. She filled the shelves of Underground Books with works by Black authors, historical voices, and emerging thinkers, cultivating a space where conversation and connection could thrive. 

Shon Tyler, DDS attended Sac High from 2004 to 2008, a pivotal time in the school’s history. His freshman year corresponded with St. HOPE’s transformation of Sac High into a charter school along with the opening of PS7, which now serves TK-8th grade scholars. The changes brought by St. HOPE were immediately noticeable, and Shon recalls how much the faculty cared about the students and their success. The new vision and initiatives resonated with both students and staff, creating a sense of purpose on campus.

We are thrilled that our very own Cassandra Jennings is named one of Comstock Magazine’s 2025 Women Leaders. Cassandra joins nine trailblazers including Jita Pandya Buno, Associate COO of UC Davis Health, Ann Patterson, Governor Newsom’s Cabinet Secretary, and Faye Nabhani, President and CEO of Safe Credit Union, who were all recognized for their perseverance, dedication, and commitment to success. Judy Farrah, editor of Comstock’s Magazine, said determination was the throughline that connected the Women in Leadership Class of 2025.