High school senior Sarah Gordon credits three years of volunteering at the Friendship Circle for teaching her the patience, compassion and resourcefulness to bridge communication barriers with disabled kids.

When Superstorm Sandy hit New Jersey on Oct. 29, 2012, the Jewish Family Service of Atlantic & Cape May Counties in Margate City had to orchestrate an 80-person staff with no previous experience in natural disasters. Here’s how they did it — and what still needs to be done.