©2013 WELCOME MAT DETROIT \n 111 E. Kirby Detroit, MI 48202 313.871.8600

Staff

The staff of the Welcome Mat Detroit is prepared to help you navigate the resources available to immigrants and those seeking development of their organization serving immigrants.

Although we try to keep office hours, we frequently are out at community events or meetings.  Thus, it is best to call or email to be sure we will be available.  Please feel free to reach us through the contact form or through standard mail at the address below:

General inquiries: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  

The Welcome Mat Detroit is directed by Mary Lane.  Mary has +30 years experience working with immigrants and internationals.

Mary Lane, MSW, Project Director, was admitted to the Honors College and received a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology and a master’s degree in social work (majoring in administration and focusing on race & ethnic relations) from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor.   She has had post-graduate training in immigration law.

She taught high school English as a Second Language for 2 years in Algeria (North Africa) and tutored ESL in Brazil.  She has worked and traveled in Europe, as well.  Additionally, Mary has traveled professionally representing her organizations/boards in Asia, particularly as relates to international education.

Mary has worked as a VISTA volunteer and was employed as Director of Immigration and Casework at the International Institute of Detroit and Refugee Foster Care Supervisor at Lutheran Social Services of Michigan.  At the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Detroit, Mary worked at the community clinic of the Immigration Legal Services office as an “Accredited Representative” and as the “Principal Designated School Official” at the Office for Clergy & Consecrated Life, where she handled international student visas.  In the past, Mary has also taught a 40-hour class organized by the Immigrant Legal Resource Center of San Francisco, entitled “Basic Immigration Law for Paralegals” at Oakland Community College.

Mary Lane serves as a Trustee on the Dearborn Board of Education, as well as the Board for Henry Ford College. 

Ms. Lane has authored short articles in the Catholic Legal Immigration Network newsletter and several historic/genealogical publications.  Mary enjoys public speaking, studying, and researching on historic, immigration and ethnic issues.  She is the world's leading authority on the 1746 Martha Root - Elisha Hawley scandal and is currently writing a novella centering on it.