Today, Arlynne is an active member of The Jewish Women’s Giving Foundation (JWGF) and is very involved with Associated Women’s newest initiative, Dignity Grows, a national project that removes the obstacles to self-esteem and health by providing women with personal hygiene products each month.

In advance of the upcoming, monthly Dignity Grows packing party, we talked with Arlynne. Here are 10 things you should know:

Arlynne moved to Baltimore in 1979 when she attended the University of Maryland to study physical therapy.
“I planned to move back to Silver Spring the minute I was finished with school. But… I had a great internship at Union Memorial in the hand center, and I loved it so much I ended up working there for about 14 years.”

She later attended John’s Hopkins School of Public Health where she ultimately received her master’s degree.
“I became pregnant with my son while I was still in school at Hopkins. I was really fortunate that I could stop working and focus on being a full-time mom.”

Arlynne first learned about The Associated’s Dignity Grows project after attending one of the JWGF’s monthly educational sessions.
“We had an online meeting with Anita Diamant, author of The Red Tent and a book called Period. End of Sentence. which is a collection of essays that examine period poverty/period inequity. I learned that in other places around the world, like in Pakistan or Nepal, there’s a whole stigma around getting your period. So, the women couldn’t go to school or work. I was really intrigued and disturbed by that. But what really threw me over the edge was to learn that this was actually happening in Baltimore, in low-income areas. Menstruation products are considered a luxury and are not covered by SNAP, WIC or other government programs.  They are not always available in prisons, colleges and public places like libraries.”

One of her favorite programs that was awarded a multi-year grant through the JWGF was BOND (Building Our Nation’s Daughters), a nonprofit that mentors, counsels and builds community with black single mothers and their daughters.
“This group really creates that strong bond between the mothers and the daughters, strengthens mother-daughter communication and fosters emotionally healthier relationships.”

What’s in a name? Savta or Bubbie?
“I will be a grandmother for the first time in February. Originally, I thought I would be called Savta. In my mind I picture Bubbies as heavyset and more sedentary but I have since met so many vibrant women that are called Bubbie and my son likes the idea of me as a Bubbie, so I’m thinking about it. It’s not out of the question.”

Aside from the sweetness of holding her grandbaby, Arlynne says she is also looking forward to doing arts and crafts and volunteering in the classroom. When asked about the legacy she would like to leave she said:
“I like the idea of having children pay attention to the world around them and just try to make it a better place. I want them to be kind to others and be grateful and generous.”

Arlynne reads two to three books a month and has been in the same book club for more than 25 years (with some of the women that she met during young leadership at The Associated).
“It’s a really comfortable, warm space where we’ve grown up together with our children. There are all these studies showing that what keeps people going and living longer lives is the strength of their relationships. I’m fortunate to be a part of such a great group.”