CEMIPRE, the Centro de Ministerio Presbiteriano (Presbyterian Ministry Center), is a remarkable ministry in Valparaiso, Chile that is transforming the lives of individuals with vision impairment. Founded in 2003 and becoming an independent Chilean foundation in 2013, CEMIPRE currently serves over 50 people, with an average participant age of 50, who are struggling with low vision or blindness.


CEMIPRE involves family and friends as much as possible to educate and encourage program participants. A devoted group of local pastors and church members teach beneficiaries 30-minute devotionals twice a week. Local church involvement has increased over the years, a change from rejecting people with disabilities to welcoming them into their fellowships.