Greenburgh barber teaching unemployed men and former convicts

GREENBURGH, N.Y. (WABC) -- A man from Greenburgh has come up with a unique way to give back to the community and it's creating quite a buzz.

He's offering free haircuts and teaching people new skills: how to be barber.

How many people does it take to give a haircut? If you're at Greenburgh Town Hall on Mondays and Wednesdays, the answer is several. The man in white is Anthony Barton, and the others are his students.

From flat tops to fades, they're learning the art of cutting hair.

"Some people have parts on both sides you have to find the strongest part," Barton said.

Barton started the free training program in October, teaching men who were unemployed and unemployable. Many are former convicts whose criminal record makes it hard for them to find a job.

"Honestly I feel like a productive member of society. People actually see me and say, "Hey, when am I going to see you again? When am I going to get another haircut? I'll see you next week,'" said Greg Brown, an apprentice.

"It changes them in front of my eyes. That's my motivation," Barton said.

Anthony is the voice of experience, not just because he's a master barber, but because of his background. He himself learned the craft while serving time in prison.

"Actually saved my life. It's the best thing that ever happened to me," Barton said.

After his release, Barton worked in a hospital with troubled kids for years, but when the recession hit, his talent with clippers and shears put food on the table.

Now he owns his own barber shop, and is trying to start a barber school. There are only three in the entire state. Last year he approached Greenburgh's town supervisor about giving back.

"He's been successful in giving people confidence and motivating people who others have given up on," said Paul Feiner, Greenburgh Town Supervisor.

Several students are already employed at barber shops. And thus the motto Barton lives by is, "I'm trying to change the world one haircut at a time."

And did we mention another benefit? All of the haircuts given by students are free.

"You can't beat that. And it's hair, so it'll grow back if they mess up. But as you can see, they did a great job, I love it," said Tristan Soares, a haircut recipient.

A great job that could lead to a fulfilling career.