Celebrating 10 Years of Freedom: Looking Ahead to the Next Decade

What began as a vision shared by founders Greg and Carmen Pope has grown into a thriving sanctuary where many animals have found safety, care, and the opportunity to simply be themselves. Over the past decade, Farm of the Free has become more than a refuge, it has become a place where visitors can connect with animals as individuals and imagine a more compassionate world.

As we celebrate this anniversary, we're also looking toward the future through our summer campaign, Safe to Be: The Next Decade of Freedom. This campaign will help ensure that Farm of the Free can continue providing lifelong care to sanctuary residents while expanding educational opportunities that inspire kindness, empathy, and respect for all animals.

To mark this special occasion, we sat down with founders Greg and Carmen Pope to reflect on the journey so far and their hopes for the future.

Q & A with Farm of the Free Founders, Greg and Carmen Pope

What inspired you to start Farm of the Free?

Greg: Always had a passion for rescuing animals. It started with dogs, cats, fish and lab rats. I even tried to save a squirrel and rabbit as a kid. After being vegan for a few years and hearing about farm sanctuaries and how they are home to rescued farm animals that would have been slaughtered either for someone’s meal or clothes, I knew it was my next step as a vegan to get more involved.

Carmen: Learning about the realities of how industrialized farm animals are treated. Once I understood what so many animals endure, I couldn’t unsee it, and I wanted to be part of creating something different.

When you think back to the very beginning, what stands out most?

Carmen: The unwavering support we received when we first shared this dream with others. And, of course, meeting and caring for our very first official resident, Charlie Fin. Those early days were full of hope, hard work, and people believing in something that didn’t exist yet.

Greg: The excitement from the community and all of their support.

Did you ever imagine the sanctuary would grow into what it is today?

Carmen: Not really. In terms of the number of residents we can care for, we haven’t grown into a huge sanctuary. What completely surprised me was the community (and that includes past and present volunteers and animal caregivers, including board members) that formed around this mission. The relationships we’ve built with supporters, volunteers, and visitors, and the relationships they’ve built with each other… that was entirely unexpected and continues to be one of the most meaningful parts of Farm of the Free.

Greg: Same as Carmen. Never thought that people would have such an impact by coming to the sanctuary and how people formed friendships and community by coming to FOTF.

Why was creating a safe place for farmed animals so important to you?

Carmen: Farmed animals have been heavily exploited and commodified. They’re often viewed only in terms of what they can provide for others rather than as unique individuals with their own preferences, personalities, and desires. We wanted to create a place where nothing is expected of them except to be exactly who they are, a place where they can experience safety, autonomy, and the freedom to simply exist.

What does reaching 10 years mean to you personally?

Greg: It’s amazing to be able to have made it to 10 years. When we started we had no idea how long this would last. We’ve heard the sad stories of other sanctuaries closing and we’ve definitely had hard times, but we are thankful for such a strong and supportive community.

Carmen: Reaching 10 years means our community continues to believe in and support the mission of Farm of the Free. Not to mention, our supporters helped FOTF we make it through Covid as a nonprofit! They are the only reason we’ve made it this far. It also means that the residents who’ve been fortunate enough to call FOTF home have, just by being themselves have served as ambassadors for the countless animals still trapped in systems of exploitation. Their stories help humans see farmed animals differently.

Looking back, what accomplishment makes you most proud?

Carmen: When an animal who has experienced hardship spends enough time here to finally let their guard down and trust us. Seeing them feel safe enough to accept care, form relationships, and simply be themselves is incredibly meaningful.

Greg: Agree with Carmen and to add being able to secure a donation to create our welcome center to host events and give space to volunteers and employees

What moments have made all the hard work worthwhile?

Carmen: Watching a resident come out of their shell and gain confidence is always worth it. Equally meaningful is hearing from a volunteer or visitor about how Farm of the Free has impacted them or changed the way they see animals. Those moments remind us why this work matters.

Greg: Same and to add being able to reunite our past sheep Rudy with his mom Sarah was one of the most touching experiences. Also, Dani, a mother cow, being able to live out her life with her son, Phoenix.

What would you say to the supporters who helped make these 10 years possible?

Carmen: It truly takes a village to support a nonprofit sanctuary so the sanctuary can care for her residents and we have the most dedicated village anyone could ask for. FOTF wouldn’t exist without every volunteer, donor, supporter, and advocate who has stood beside us over the years. We are deeply grateful for each and every one of you.

Greg: Same. To give as much gratitude as possible. Couldn’t have done it without everyone who has donated from $1 up to $10,000. And who has volunteered their time to come on a volunteer day to those who commit to volunteering weekly.  Every bit helps

If you could go back and tell yourselves one thing when the sanctuary first began, what would it be?

Carmen: I’d tell myself two things: “Take it slow,” and “Go ahead and schedule a few extra therapy sessions.” Both would have been very good advice, not that I would have taken it!

Greg: Same. Definitely take it slow. Look at what more sanctuaries did to get ideas and get more volunteers to help at the beginning.