REAL WAY FOUNDATION

The following article appeared originally as a feature in the publication Santa Clarita Hometown Station.

"Real Way Foundation, a Santa Clarita non-profit providing job training and coaching to those in need, is working to assist locals in re-entering the workforce and taking steps forward in supporting themselves.

Executive Director Syian Wignal Sr. aims to provide job training through job searching, resume building and helping identify jobs in Santa Clarita that could be a good fit for those the Real Way Foundation serves.

The Real Way Foundation name was inspired by Wignal’s experiences growing up in the toughest areas of Jamaica – an upbringing that could have warranted the support he insists on providing to those currently going through a similar situation.
Wignal grew up in a community of gang-violence, a society where gangs would often play each other in competitive gangs of soccer, according to officials.

“After running away from his dad’s home when he was 14, Sy lived on the streets for some time,” read a statement from the Real Way Foundation. “He ended up becoming acquainted with several of the local gangs during this time. It was not an easy road, but it is a piece of his puzzle that allows him to relate to some of the challenges that others have gone through.”

Wignal, at some point, realized that running with the gangs was not what was best for his life, and he chose to reconnect with his mother and spend time in her home, according to officials.

“While living with his mom, he took up soccer as the sport that he was going to focus on rather than the negativity of gang life while he was on the streets,” read a statement from the Real Way Foundation. ”One game that he was playing in, one of the local gang leaders was aggressive and Sy stood up for himself.”

The gang leader threatened Wignal and threatened his life. On his way home to get his gun, the leader spoke with several of the other community leaders that were at the game and explained that Sy did nothing wrong in the game..."