A foster care alumnus is giving hope to children in the system. And he's making a positive name for himself while doing it.

Ryan Dollinger aged out of foster care after spending six years in the system, and now makes it his mission to be a voice for the voiceless.

"It was rough not having that stability of one family and not knowing where you are going next, it's really hard," Dollinger said.

In an effort to make the system better, his accomplishments are being recognized state-wide. He was nominated for a high honor given by one of the largest non-profit organizations in America, "Casey Family Programs."

He replies, "I'm honored and I'm humbled. When I read what was said about me, I was like 'oh wow! Are you serious?'"

The Lamar University sophomore is a Texas representative for Foster Care Alumni of America on the state and national level. He's also one of three officers for the state of Texas. He spends his time giving hope to other children currently in care.

"Being told that I was going to be a criminal or homeless, or I'd never amount to anything. I'd never go to college," he continued.

But now he's pursuing a Bachelors of Social Work from Lamar, and works for the FYI Center, that helps with housing transportation, employment and mentoring for young people.

He concludes, "no matter what label is placed on you. You have the option of scrapping that label and writing your own label and your own description of you."

Which he believes is an essential part of growing up in care.

You can help the thousands of children in foster care find "forever families."

All you have to do is contact the Department of Family and Protective Services at 409.951.3351.