New Kewanee ministry focuses on second chances
By Elizabeth Jamison July 9, 2026
Finish Well Ministries has opened a new outreach center in the former Boss building on First Street, offering support and hope to men and women returning to the community after incarceration
Founders Paul Bosanko, Ben Endress and Mike Lee have been working diligently with their crew to create a facility in downtown Kewanee. The team is motivated by their faith and is committed to helping men and women successfully reenter the community
“The best possible rate of success is having the Lord in your life,” said Lee, a co-founder and construction manager for the building project
Finish Well Ministries was established in February of 2024. The name was derived from a quote that communicates hope, redemption and forward momentum, and perfectly aligns with the heart of the business, Lee said. “We may not have started well, but we can finish well.”
Bosanko and Lee were inspired to build ministries for people who have been incarcerated because they served time themselves, and came out on the other side with a positive outlook on life
“We want to show this process works because it has worked for us,” Lee said
Bosanko, the program manager, said their experience is what drives them to do this work. “We want to give back to the community that supported us.”
The men say they are driven by both religion and spirituality and are motivated by the Bible verse Matthew 5:42 which reads “Give to the one who asks you, and do not run away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
The team holds Bible studies at the ministries every Thursday, and once construction is complete they plan to host a dinner after each Bible study
They have extensive renovation plans for the building, including a sitting area, dining space, kitchen and Bible study room on the first floor. The second floor is slated for offices. The ministry will be open to the public, and leaders are inviting the community to take part in the work of supporting one another
The founders already own three properties, with two acting as ministries designated for people who were previously incarcerated and looking to reenter the community. They are also currently working on a project with the building on the corner of Chestnut and Third street. The building renovation of the former Boss building is expected to be completed this fall
