Volvo for Life Award finalist helps disadvantaged children

Postponing one's dreams in order to help others in need is quite admirable. Oliver Barton, 42, of Branford, Conn., decided to put his goal of going to medical school on hold in order to commit himself to assisting disadvantaged children.

While Barton was studying at Yale University over two decades ago, he found himself inspired by inner-city middle school students who faced academic and life challenges. After graduating, he formed the New Haven Ecology Project (NHEP), a 20-acre urban-school located on a farm site at the base of West Rock Ridge State Park in New Haven, Conn.

NHEP, founded in 1990, started from a group of educators, parents and environmentalists, according to Barton. The overall mission is to "cultivate habits of healthy living and sustainable environmental practices for a diverse community of children, adults and families," according to its website, nhep.com.

"The group was seeking to provide and promote environment education and recreation in an urban area through interaction with the natural world, including raising plants and animals for food," Barton added. "I felt I did not know much about small New England cities. The kids were bright but often low-skilled, which posed great opportunities for dialogue and learning for both of us."

For his efforts, Barton was selected as one of three finalists for the Volvo for Life Awards. Barton was selected under the category of environment of which the winner will be presented with a $50,000 contribution to the charity of their choice. The overall winner will receive a new Volvo every three years for life and be named Americas Greatest Hometown Hero. To learn more about the awards, visit volvoforlifeawards.com.

"I am truly honored," said Barton. "I have been inspired by many people, teachers, mentors, colleagues, and students who succeed against the odds or always reach out to help others despite extreme challenges. It's an honor to work with such people, much less be recognized for having a role."

NHEP has about 25 employees and is always looking for people to assist with tutoring at the school or gardening on Friday afternoons, Barton said.

The group has helped make a difference in many people's lives, according to Barton. Barton recalls teaching a class in Environmental Justice and students were asked to take on a project of concern that affected neighborhoods across the greater New Haven area.

"One student was unhappy about a playground near her house that was neglected and unsafe," said Barton. "It had broken glass, and a broken slide and play equipment. Several younger children were hurt from the neglect. After talking to neighbors and getting her alderman interested she spoke to me on organizing and activism. The result was the city eventually responded and helped maintain the playground."

This is just one of many positive stories. The NHEP currently coordinates programs for over 2,000 participants and focuses on environments issues and working, growing and harvesting 10 tons of produce for soup kitchens, farmers' markets and a self-sustaining school lunch program.

Barton is extremely pleased with his decision to hold off on medical school and help inner-city youth.

"I still think medicine is fascinating, but I'll stick with more of a whole-child approach, with a focus on student learning and reaching goals for after high school," said Barton.