“A sanctuary can't just be for animals. A sanctuary has to be for all. It is a place where people find peace.” These powerful words from renowned vegan dairy expert and The Vegan Creamery author Miyoko Schinner perfectly captured the spirit of a recent gathering of connection, compassion, and community at Freedom Farms.

Dr. Marilyn Kroplick, Miyoko Schinner, and Justin Cross

As part of her book tour, Schinner visited Freedom Farms to meet guests, sign copies of her latest book, and deliver a moving keynote address that resonated deeply with the more than 30 attendees. Her message was clear: sanctuaries are more than safe havens for rescued animals; they are healing spaces for people, too.

A Day to Remember

The event included a special VIP experience that began at The Vreamery, a beloved plant-based cheese shop in Paso Robles, before heading to Freedom Farms for a book signing and tour. Guests had the unique opportunity to meet rescued residents of the sanctuary and explore the historic home where iconic actresses Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds often vacationed.

The book signing was held shortly after the farm’s first-ever fundraiser dinner, the Freedom Farms Feast, a joyful celebration that brought together compassionate food, music, and community. Guests enjoyed a delicious plant-based meal catered by The Vreamery, took part in a brief farm tour, joined in for animal-themed music bingo, and were serenaded by live performances from singer-songwriter Jesse Loren Strickman and violinist Maya Balachandran.

Looking Ahead: Compassion in Action

Freedom Farms continues to grow its mission of education, rescue, and community outreach. On Saturday, November 15, 2025, the sanctuary will host a Kids’ Day, a child-oriented event featuring apple picking, a plant-animal scavenger hunt, a dog adoption event in partnership with Central Coast Dog Rescue, Novy’s Ark, and much more.

Every event at Freedom Farms serves a dual purpose: creating joyful, meaningful experiences for guests and raising essential funds for animal care. Proceeds from these events directly support the sanctuary’s rescued residents and help fund critical projects such as the construction of a new weather-safe enclosure to protect the cows during extreme weather.

Why It Matters

Freedom Farms stands as a reminder that sanctuaries are not only spaces of refuge but also of renewal, for animals and human animals alike. As Miyoko Schinner reminded us, “A sanctuary has to be for all.” And through events like these, Freedom Farms is bringing that vision to life, one connection at a time.

Learn more about the resident animals and the efforts we're making at our Creston-based sanctuary. 

Please consider donating to support educational tours, a cow shelter, and other special projects to grow the animal rights movement on California’s Central Coast.