Protecting the hearts of our community

Crescent Health Initiative

Mission Statement

Crescent Health Initiative is dedicated to reducing premature heart disease in the Muslim community of Central New Jersey through trusted health education and screening that honor our faith, our culture, and our families.

For too many in our community, heart disease arrives early and without warning - yet so much of it can be prevented. Language barriers, unfamiliar healthcare settings, and a shortage of care that reflects our values can keep families from getting the information and early support they need. Crescent Health Initiative was founded to close that gap. We bring heart-health education and screening directly into the spaces our community already trusts - our mosques, our gatherings, our neighborhoods - and we walk alongside community members over time, not just for a single visit. Our commitment is to lasting change: healthier habits, earlier awareness, and stronger families, built on relationships that endure.

Programs

Community Health Presentations

What we do: We host clear, welcoming presentations on heart health and everyday wellness — covering topics like blood pressure, cholesterol, healthy eating, diabetes, the warning signs of a heart attack or stroke, and how to talk confidently with your doctor.

How it works: Our sessions take place in familiar community settings, including our partner mosques and local gatherings, and are designed to be easy to follow for everyone — no medical background required. Materials are offered in multiple languages so that every family can take part.

Why it matters: When people understand their hearts, they can protect them. These presentations replace fear and confusion with practical knowledge, giving community members the confidence to make healthier choices for themselves and the people they love.

Vitals Tracking & Monitoring

What we do: We measure and record community members' key health vitals — such as blood pressure — and follow their progress over time to support real, measurable improvement.

How it works: At our community screenings, trained volunteers take each participant's vitals and keep a private, personal record. Rather than a single reading, we track changes over a set period, so individuals can see how their health is trending and connect with further care whenever it's needed.

Why it matters: Many serious heart conditions develop quietly, with no obvious symptoms. Regular tracking helps catch concerns early, gives people a clear picture of their own health, and turns good intentions into visible progress over time.

The people behind Crescent Health Initiative

Our Team

Crescent Health Initiative is powered by a dedicated team of volunteers with deep roots in the community we serve. Many are aspiring health professionals who give their time because they believe their neighbors deserve care that understands their faith, their language, and their lives. We are students, mentors, and community members united by a single purpose: to protect the health of the families around us. Get to know the people making that happen.

  • Mateen Aminyar - Founder & Executive Director
    Mateen founded Crescent Health Initiative and serves as its Executive Director, guiding the organization's vision and day-to-day direction. He leads CHI's research and academic partnerships, chairs the board, and represents the organization to the mosques and community institutions it serves. An aspiring physician, he is driven by the belief that good care begins with understanding a community's faith, language, and lives.

  • Saajid Amin - Director of Operations
    Saajid makes CHI's programs happen on the ground. He coordinates events, recruits and supports the volunteer team, and manages the logistics that bring health education and screenings into community spaces. His focus is making sure every CHI event runs smoothly and welcomes everyone who walks through the door.

  • Rahim Tariq - Director of Finance
    Rahim oversees CHI's finances — from budgeting and record-keeping to ensuring every dollar is used responsibly in service of the mission. His careful stewardship keeps the organization transparent, accountable, and ready to grow.

  • Mehreen Khateeb - Director of Communications
    Mehreen leads how CHI shares its story and stays organized behind the scenes. She manages the organization's website, social media, and public voice, and keeps its records and communications clear and consistent. Her work ensures the community always knows where, when, and how to connect with CHI.

  • Zaid Elhadary - Director of Community Engagement
    Zaid builds and nurtures the relationships at the heart of CHI's work. He connects the organization with mosques, community leaders, and partner groups across Central New Jersey, and helps ensure every program and material reflects the community's culture and faith. A future health professional, he is committed to care that feels familiar and trusted.

Let's build healthier hearts together

Contact Us

  • Community members — Have a question or want to join an upcoming event? Reach out anytime.

  • Volunteers — Want to give your time and skills to a cause that matters? We're always welcoming new hands.

  • Partners — Mosques, community organizations, and healthcare allies: let's explore how we can work together.