CCYP's New Civic Engagement Map
How many nonprofits are there on Cape Cod and the Islands? Eighteen months later, we have an answer, and now everyone else can see them, too. What We Built CCYP's new Civic Engagement Map is the...
2 min read
Mentorship in Motion is a speed networking series where attendees get face-time with accomplished leaders. Our November 2 session "Mission Possible." The session will bring together nonprofit professionals for real conversations. Participants will sit down with people who've built theirs around purpose and get the real story: the rewarding parts, the hard parts, and everything in between. Share what you've learned, ask questions of your own, and hear fresh perspectives.
We keep attendance intentionally small so everyone has a chance to participate, ask questions, and genuinely connect. Our community mentors will share candidly, from early career experiences to the values that continue to shape their work today. Read their bios below and RSVP today.
Michael K. Silva, President & CEO of Seamen's Bank
A lifelong Cape Codder and Truro resident, Michael rose through the ranks at Seamen's Bank over a 33-year career, serving as a commercial loan officer, controller, treasurer, and Chief Financial Officer before his appointment to the top executive role. Recognized for his fiscal stewardship and management of steady capital growth, he also directs the bank’s community philanthropy through the Seamen’s Long Point Charitable Foundation, investing in regional arts, healthcare, housing, and social services across the Cape.
Lysetta Hurge Putnam, Executive Director of Independence House
Lysetta leads Cape Cod's premier resource center for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors. Appointed to the role in March 1999, she has dedicated over 25 years to leading the agency's crisis intervention, housing, and advocacy services. A recognized leader in her field, she has served on the Governor's Council on Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence and as president-elect of Jane Doe Inc., Massachusetts' statewide coalition against abuse. Hurge-Putnam earned her Master of Social Work from the State University of New York at Buffalo and has been honored by the Massachusetts Office of Victim Assistance for her career-long dedication to advancing crime victims' rights.
Michael Mecenas, President and Founder of the Brazilian Resource Center
As a mental health clinician and trilingual medical interpreter, Michael has built a career dedicated to community advocacy and healthcare. Under his leadership, the Brazilian Resource Center delivers essential services to immigrants and families in need, including citizenship assistance, ESL classes, job placement, and a food pantry. A graduate of Barnstable High School and Cape Cod Community College, Mecenas went on to earn both his undergraduate degree in Human Services and his Master of Social Work from Springfield College.
Christa Danilowicz, Chief Advancement Officer at Housing Assistance
Christa is a nonprofit and fundraising leader with over 15 years of experience building relationships, engaging supporters, and strengthening mission-driven organizations. Her leadership includes board and committee roles with Philanthropy Partners of Cape Cod and the Islands, the Francis Ouimet Scholarship Fund, the Sandwich Cultural Council, and the Sandwich FUNdation. A dedicated community advocate, she remains active with the Sandwich PTA, serves as a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters, and lives in Sandwich with her husband and two children.
