Windsor's Downtown Mission is looking to continue a pilot program that graduated its first class on Tuesday.
Executive Director Ron Dunn calls the 'Speakers for Change' initiative a great success after it graduated five members from the six-week program.
Dunn says it's meant to help people who have experienced homelessness, poverty or other forms of marginalization better tell their stories and improve their communication skills.
He says despite Mission staff volunteering their time to the program, continuing will be dependent on grant funding.
Ben Monteleone is one of the five graduates and says the program has been a big help.
"There's so much help out there. I think Windsor is probably one of the best places you could be in if you are suffering from these problems. I mean you have Brentwood, you have the Mission — there are so many places, there is so much help," says Monteleone.
He says he is proud to be part of the first graduating class.
"Today means a lot you know, it's the milestone. I've learned something I was very uncomfortable doing in the past."
Ron Dunn says the program does more than just improve public speaking.
"It gives them the confidence for job interviews. It gives them the confidence just to speak to people in general."
The graduation ceremony was held at the Green Bean Cafe in the University Community Church building.