Woods Services has only had five presidents in its almost one hundred-year history.  Griffith is the organization’s longest-serving leader other than its founder, Mollie Woods Hare.  From 1913 until 1951, Mollie Woods Hare served as the schools’ first Director and (then) President.  In 1948, she donated The Woods Schools and its property in order to convert it to a non-profit entity overseen by a Board of Trustees. 

Under Griffith’s leadership, Woods has transitioned from a more traditional residential school for people with intellectual disabilities to a multifaceted services organization serving children and adults with complex disabilities.  During the last 23 years, the entire 300 acre campus has been upgraded and renovated, including the addition of many new buildings.  Griffith noted that the organization continues to be financially stable, a very positive sign for a nonprofit in today’s economy.

Griffith’s tenure will also be credited with the largest fundraising campaign in the Woods’ history.  In the two years since The Campaign for Woods’ Second Century was publicly announced, $9.7 million has been raised in support of the new medical services/dental clinic/training center as well as enhancing the endowment resources of Woods.  The Board of Trustees has initiated a structured search process in order to find a qualified person to serve as the next President and CEO. 

Founded in 1913, Woods Services provides educational, residential, and vocational services to 1,200 children and adults with special needs.  Woods is located in Langhorne, Pa with additional locations throughout Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware Counties.  For more information about Woods, please contact Cheryl Kauffman at (215) 750- 4255 or ckauffman@woods.org or visit the Woods Services website at www.woods.org and www.woods2ndcentury.org.

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