(LEFT) Adriana Medina-Gomez (RIGHT) Elizabeth Golla

(TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Grunin Foundation recently announced the addition of two new community board members, Elizabeth Golla and Adriana Medina-Gomez. Each of these new appointees brings extensive knowledge, experience, and diverse perspectives to help govern and give strategic direction to the organization as it continues to provide holistic support through funding, capacity building, and coalition building to organizations who have a shared vision of an equitable, just, and vibrant Central Jersey Shore.

Jay Grunin, Co-Founder and Chairman of the Grunin Foundation said, “Connecting with community is one of the Grunin Foundation’s most important priorities. Learning from and collaborating with community members and nonprofits will enable us to carry out our mission. It is an honor for us to have such impactful and respected members join our board, who have deep roots in the Central Jersey Shore community and can guide us to more impactful service.”

Elizabeth Golla is a Board-Certified Creative Arts Therapist who has worked in the nonprofit field for over 20 years. With years of experience in trauma-informed care, she has worked extensively with families navigating complex challenges. Currently serving as the Executive Director of Family Promise of the Jersey Shore, Elizabeth focuses on addressing homelessness through a multi-faceted approach, expanding essential programs, advocating for systemic change, and providing holistic support to families and individuals in need. Passionate about creating sustainable solutions, she works tirelessly to raise awareness, build partnerships, and ensure that every family has access to the resources and stability needed to thrive.

In her spare time, she enjoys helping other nonprofits with strategic initiatives, volunteering at her church, doing some form of fitness, or spending time with her family and pets.

Adriana Medina-Gomez is a recognized leader and accomplished community engagement professional based in Red Bank, New Jersey. With over 12 years of experience in community development, advocacy, and outreach, she currently serves as the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Borough of Red Bank, where she leads communication efforts, develops innovative strategies for civic engagement, and fosters inclusivity. In this pioneering role, Adriana also organizes impactful cultural events, including Juneteenth, Pride in the Park, and the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration, bringing the community together through meaningful and diverse programming.

Beyond her professional roles, Adriana is deeply dedicated to DEIA-focused initiatives, ensuring underrepresented voices are heard and elevated in decision-making processes. She serves on multiple advisory councils and strategic planning committees, where she leverages her expertise in community engagement to advance cultural initiatives, foster community building, and promote resource equity.

Outside of her professional endeavors she enjoys being a soccer mom, spending quality time with her family, and sharing laughs with friends.

The Grunin Foundation is a family foundation co-founded in 2013 by Jay and the late Linda Grunin, whose son, Jeremy, serves as president. The foundation has a staff of four and a board of eleven (five family and six community members) located in Toms River, New Jersey. They provide holistic support through funding, capacity building, and coalition building to organizations who have a shared vision of an equitable, just, and vibrant Central Jersey Shore.