Special Needs Online Directory Expands To Mercer County

WESTFIELD, NJ — It has been one year since Westfield mother Leslie Crowe launched NeedQuest, a local search directory that connects parents of special needs children and service providers.

It started as a database for Union County parents but has since picked up so much interest that Crowe has expanded her website to include Somerset, Hunterdon, Union and Mercer counties.

“We started with 25 providers and parents and now have more than 350 parents and over 170 local providers,” Crowe told Patch. “We are at critical mass. It just shows that there was such a need for this."

• See Related: Westfield Mom Launches Special Needs Online Directory

Crowe launched her site last year when she found herself struggling to find providers for her now 15-year-old son Jack who has Aspergers.

Other moms in the area had the same issues finding help. Once they used NeedQuest they jumped on board and are now helping to get more providers on the site.

These new moms include:

• Eva O’Malley, a Howell mother and Director of CHADD, a non-profit for those with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
• Ann Burke, owner of Heaven Scent Oil in Summit, which provides essential oils for special needs kids.
• Sherrie Casper from Livingston, whose son has Angelman Syndrome.

“They were all so thrilled by the site and we connected, had lunch and now they are helping me,” Crowe said. “I would love to get more moms on board.”

Along with parents, Crowe has been receiving positive feedback from providers as well.

“We are delighted to be part of NeedQuest as it grows and are thankful that this service exists. Leslie is clearly committed to helping parents find the best special needs services for their children. The individual profiles for each of Spectrum360's five programs help us to market our unique offerings to the special needs community. NeedQuest is a win-win opportunity for parents and caregivers, helping individuals with special needs find the best services available to meet their needs,” said Leslie Miller of Spectrum360, a school for children with autism in Livingston.

“We are so excited to be part of NeedQuest's growth in the special needs community. We are a parent driven organization providing sports and recreation and getting the word out about our many sports programs can be challenging. Our partnership with NeedQuest has proven to be a great vehicle for us,” said Bob Carvajales of High Expectations in Clark, a parent led group for organized sports that sends athletes to the Special Olympics.

Crowe's goal is to continue expanding across the state by getting more parents involved and providers.

To get involved in NeedQuest email leslie@needquest.com or visit http://needquest.com/

Story written by Alexis Tarrazi (Patch Staff)

Attached images provided