Should my Father have to be charged this money?

Question

My father is mentally ill and in a supported living program.
Once a week for the last year he has been participating in an art class put on by the supported living program's Social club.
This past month there was an art show at a gallery featuring His and some of the other aduts(In the program) art work. All the paintings had a price tag of $65.00. He sold three of his paintings and was very proud of himself, it gave him a nice self esteem boost. The art gallerey gets 20% which i can understand. Now, this is what bugs me, the program that he is in is also taking 20%. This orginization is state funded and gets funds from united way as well. Also, he is only getting an SSI check and that just barely covers his bills. should these people really have the right to take a 20% cut?

I have to add this. This same company also owns a commercial cleaning company that cleans 20 or 30 buildings for local buisnesses. And I'm sure This brings in a hefty amout of PROFIT.

I'm not acually disputing this with the orginization I just wanted some outside opinions.

Answer 1

How much the company makes or doesnt make in the office cleaning business is not an issue. Companies go into business to make money.

As for your father's problem, you can raise the issue that he is not capable of entering into a contract because he is incompetent. That's a long process and may result in your father losing some of his rights as a patient and person.

As far as whether the fee SHOULD be charged, yes. Why not? The company probably disclosed this fee in advance. People who chose to participate should have understood that. Again, this is a question of your father's competence. If he is unable to understand the nature of the contract, the company should have known that. After all, he IS in a place for people with that kind of problem. This is a legal question that will cost you a lot more than 20% of what your father made to answer.

It sounds as if your father gets a lot more enjoyment out of participating in these things than he woujld if you were successful in stopping him to save a few bucks. I dont know if it's "right or wrong." I suppose there are moral issues that go either way. But if this is something that gives your father pleasure and the company will not relent on its fee, let it go. Your father probably appreciates the enjoyment more than the money.

Answer 2

Yes, they should, and they DO have that right. Those art supplies aren't free.... That 20% cut is probably what pays for the supplies & class.

Answer 3

unfortunately yes, because that 20% is probably going back to the state. If it wasn't state funded (independent) then it would be more. If the 20% is going back to the org. then screw that.

Answer 4

Heck no!